A classic ‘squash zone’ of windy to gale force weather is expected this Friday in the North Island with gales from Auckland northwards and some gusts might even reach 100km/h.

It’s not a storm – in fact the low is quite weak – but the low is pressing into strong high pressure and that creates the windy zone (easterlies). By the weekend northerlies return – or light winds – and humidity levels may be high.

This will encourage afternoon downpours with isolated thunderstorms possible in both islands. In Australia a low pressure zone from WA is moving into SA, VIC and TAS (and brushing NSW to the south).

Yes, it brings more rain – but no, hopefully not flooding rains. Full forecast to Sunday across New Zealand and Australia.