Rain is expected to ease this morning across most parts of the country as a low and its associated fronts move off shore out into the Pacific. 

But a deep low to the south of New Zealand combined with high air pressure in the north means a strengthening westerly flow will develop in most places.  Severe winds aren’t in the forecast but winds are expected to become gusty in many areas over the next few days.

In particular eastern areas of the South Island and central parts of New Zealand around Cook Strait should be blown about by winds ranging from westerlies to northerlies.

Other regions may be a little windy at times too compared to the recent settled weather.

Despite the gusty conditions no severe weather warnings are expected with gale force winds currently not in the forecast for any land areas.

Heavy rain in the west is likely from Fiordland to Taranaki at the end of the weekend and going in to the weekend as more rain bands are tossed up from the south west.

WeatherWatch.co.nz predicts frosts have ended for most places for July as the windier weather moves in.  Frosts aren’t expected to return until some time next week.