Another round of stormy spring weather is today moving in with heavy rain for the western coastlines and gales – possibly damaging – for central New Zealand.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says unlike the weekend’s extreme weather, caused by a storm crossing the country, this rough weather across Wednesday and Thursday is due to a high north of New Zealand and lows south of us – putting the nation right in the middle of the westerly squash zone (where the isobars push up together due to the air pressure gradient being so steep).

This squash zone of windy weather will drive heavy rain into the western ranges of the South Island on Wednesday and the North Island Thursday. Watch for rain warnings.

Winds will pick up across the upper South Island and lower North Island, strengthening into Wednesday afternoon and evening before sliding further north into more of the lower North Island on Thursday. Watch for likely wind warnings.

Thursday looks to be a windy day nationwide with Auckland receiving a period of rain and strong to gale force winds.

A cool south to south west flow will cover New Zealand on Thursday and Friday dropping temperatures nationwide – especially in the Deep South where single digit highs are likely on Friday.

As for Labour Weekend?  Our forecast remains unchanged from last Saturday – a mix of sun, wind, rain and showers.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz