A front is expected to move quickly northeastwards over much of New Zealand on Monday, with strong westerlies tending southwesterly, says a MetService spokesperson.  

"The strongest westerlies are expected about the lower North Island early in the day, with moderate confidence that westerly gales could become severe about central Hawke's Bay and the Tararua District.

On Tuesday, August 13, the weakening front is expected to clear the North Island with the southwesterlies easing, as a ridge of high pressure spreads over the country.

"At this stage, there is minimal risk of severe weather affecting New Zealand."

The ridge of high pressure is forecast to move onto the North Island on Wednesday, while a moist northwest flow will buildsover the South Island, bringing rain to Fiordland

At this stage accumulations are not expected to become significant. There is, however, low confidence that northwest gales could become severe over parts of Fiordland, Southland and Clutha during the second half of the day.

On Thursday, a front embedded in the northwest flow is expected to move onto Fiordland, bringing further rain. There is low confidence that rainfall accumulations could approach warning criteria over Fiordland and southern most Westland.