A west to southwest wind flow with embedded fronts continues to affect much of the country through to the beginning of next week, bringing further pulses of strong or gale force winds to parts of southern and central New Zealand.

Watches and warnings and for severe gales remain in force for parts of the South Island and lower North Island until Thursday evening. However, a narrow ridge of high-pressure spreads onto the country during Friday easing the winds.

Over the weekend another bout of strong to gale westerlies are forecast over central and southern New Zealand, especially about coastal parts of Southland and Otago. This will also affect the Tararua District and Hawkes Bay south of Hastings, says MetService Meteorologist, Andy Downs.

'The good news for people in northern and eastern parts of the country, including Wellington, is that this westerly wind flow shelters them from any showers, bringing a mostly settled, although breezy weekend.”

'Conditions look ideal for the Hawke's Bay International Marathon on Saturday, with fine weather and a maximum temperature of 18 to 19°C.”

Temperatures, although cooler than early this week are expected to be near normal for this time of year for most places.

Tauranga residents should expect fine weather leading into the weekend. Despite some early morning cloud on Friday and Saturday morning, it should clear, and a high of 17 degrees is expected.

Sunday and Monday are expected to be fine with south westerlies, and a high of 18 degrees.