Apologies – we have no weather VIDEO today – but here’s what is making the weather headlines….

VERY STRONG WINDS TODAY

Various cold fronts move northwards over the country today, expect a very strong west to northwesterly airflow changing southwest over the South Island this afternoon, southwesterlies reach the North Island this evening.

Northwesterlies in the east rise to gale force, severe gale for some (especially the eastern South Island). Southerly quarter winds are likely to reach severe gale force about coastal areas in the south and east as a change pushes northwards this afternoon.

Beyond the above mentioned strong winds we have heavy rain for the West Coast this morning with thunder possible, then some snow about the ranges, possibly down to 400m for the South Island in the south and east then overnight to 600m for the lower North Island / about the Central Plateau.

More on today’s weather warnings from Metservice here.

Today’s thunderstorm outlook from Metservice here.

UNSETTLED TODAY THEN CALMING DOWN

Today is going to be unsettled, that’s undeniable. But from tomorrow high pressure moves in and it hangs around in some form through to Friday. Friday does see a front approach / move into the far south from late afternoon or evening but for the most part the rest of the country is good.

A decent break between systems is appreciated in spring by many (apart from some growers, I here you re frosts) so here you go.

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FROSTY MORNINGS ON TUESDAY / WEDNESDAY

Speaking of frosts, after a very unsettled day today, high pressure starts to push in over the South Island tonight meaning a frost risk on Tuesday morning especially for the lower South Island and up the Main Divide.

High pressure shifts north on Wednesday so the frost risk moves to the upper South Island and especially the North Island.

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