The next surge of damaging winds are moving into the South Island overnight tonight and through Thursday, along with the lower half of the North Island.

Canterbury (and regions near it) may be in for damaging severe gales from overnight tonight until Thursday evening – when windy weather looks to ease back from the daytime peak.

Heavy West Coast rain is in the mix too.

This long weekend is partially unsettled but still many regions have dry weather and/or lighter winds. But the next surge of rain and gales develops later on Sunday and into Labour Day Monday for some regions.