A low over Stewart Island and a high just north west of us are pushing up together today to make a squash zone around central New Zealand – in other words, where the winds are strongest.

Across today gusty north to north west winds will push further into the North Island boosting temperartures in eastern areas like Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay and Marlborough in the upper South Island to name a few.

Northerlies are likely to reach gale force around Wellington and surrounds but severe gales are not in the forecast for populated places.  However winds may exceed 100km/h in exposed hill tops and some highways – motorists around Wellington and Wairarapa especially are advised to prepare for strong gusts.

This evening the windy, warm, weather moves further north across Hawkes Bay and Gisborne – winds will also build in Bay of Plenty and Auckland as the day goes on.  Blustery conditions are also expected in parts of Taranaki.

Winds will gradually ease on Sunday but could return again later on Monday for Northland.  Gales are not predicted then.

Late September, all of October and early November tend to be New Zealand’s windiest months, which is all very normal for the middle of spring.

– Image / Noon Sat wind map, reds and oranges show strong to gale force winds

– WeatherWatch.co.nz