Winds from the northerly quarter are strengthening this afternoon as a large pool of unsettled weather moves over the country.

A large anticyclone north of New Zealand combined with deep low pressure south of the nation have created a large ‘squash zone’ (where the isobars are packed together) right over the country.

Gale force northerlies are affecting Wellington’s hilltops however are still only averaging 40km/h in the CBD.  Gale force is a sustained wind at 62km/h.

Around Taranaki the northerly is gusting to 60km/h right across the region.  A mostly light northerly is building in Auckland and, for now, showers have eased – they will return later this afternoon with rain arriving tonight.

Further south and gusty conditions are moving in to Kaikoura with winds averaging 43km/h and gusting to 63km/h.   Christchurch has a 30km/h nor’easter.