A huge storm in the Southern Ocean is bringing gale westerlies to the South Island – and more to come as we head into Wednesday (along with hot weather in the east).

A cool down arrives Thursday and Friday with winds easing.

By Christmas Day the forecast is mostly settled but a light, cool, southerly will likely impact the South Island’s east coast (like Christchurch) and a couple of afternoon inland downpours might occur in Hawke’s Bay.