Several stormy days are just hours from getting underway as the Roaring 40s prepare to launch themselves over New Zealand starting later tonight.

WeatherWatch.co.nz forecasters say conditions will be very windy and wet over the next 10 to 12 days with the possibility of wind and rain warnings.

Thunderstorms are also expected to spread across the west coast from Fiordland to Northland, including Auckland.  Highest risk will be from midnight tonight until Sunday.

Most at risk from thunderstorms will be Taranaki and the West Coast with WeatherWatch.co.nz saying there is a moderate risk of isolated tornados in those regions too.

There are numerous fronts expected to race across the country over the next week and a half – the trickiest job for forecasters will be the timing of them.

The first front will arrive around midnight tonight for most western areas – but it will move in earlier for the West Coast this evening.

Winds are starting to tilt more westerly ahead of the cold front with strong winds spreading across the nation tonight and tomorrow.

Dangerous seas will also spread up the west coast with swells over 8 metres expected by this weekend.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says the storm is moderate in size and strength but the centre will remain well south of New Zealand over the coming 12 days.  Residents shouldn’t worry about the rough weather moving in but should be aware of any Metservice warnings or watches in place – and keep up to date with the latest breaking weather news here at WeatherWatch.co.nz. 

WeatherWatch.co.nz  will have regular updates over the next 10 days. 

We also appreciate hearing from you, our eyes and ears across the country.  Let us know what conditions are like by posting comments below.  We, and other readers, find them incredibly helpful.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz