A depression west of the upper North Island is helping bring rain and strong winds to parts of New Zealand, today, tonight and into Tuesday. Generally speaking the wind and rain is tracking down the North Island and will stop around the upper half of the South Island as high pressure grows in the south.

We track the movement of the windiest weather, and which areas are most exposed to rain – but we also take a look at when the winds ease and drier weather comes in.

New Year’s Eve looks look intense weather-wise, but with low pressure in the area it’s going to spark some daytime and early evening downpours and thunderstorms, especially around the western and upper North Island.

New Year’s Day sees much larger dry areas and the winds easing further for most, although may still be a little windy in some spots – our video explains more. Still more daytime downpours and possible thunderstorms.

This weekend an anticyclone (high pressure) finally looks to move in over the country, and while cloudy weather and some showers may still be possible many other places should be sunnier and hotter.

Our next weather video will be tomorrow/Tuesday.