Stormy weather poised to wipe out sun's rays in NZ

Most of the country saw out the year with glorious weather but storms and rain look likely to replace it in the first week of 2006.

A low pressure system from the Tasman Sea was moving over southern New Zealand early today and its associated fronts were crossing the North Island, meteorologists say.

MetService weather ambassador Bob McDavitt said stormy conditions would prevail in many places over the next few days.

Strong northwesterly winds that began arriving in exposed places from Auckland to Otago yesterday evening would continue until tomorrow, he said.

Damaging winds are most likely in the east of the South Island this morning, and Wellington, Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay will begin to be affected later today.

Sea swells could reach up to 5m in some parts of the west coast of both islands.

More unsettled weather is set to follow, with another low forecast to approach the Deep South on Wednesday, bringing heavy rain to the west of the South Island and strong winds to the lower North Island.

Forecaster Mark Pascoe said although conditions in the upper North Island would not be as severe, it would still be quite windy.

Areas from Northland to the Bay of Plenty would experience strong westerlies, with gale-force winds in exposed places. There would also be occasional showers, said Mr Pascoe.

Friday will see the start of some fine weather - but more unsettled weather is expected by Sunday.

The MetService advises people travelling around the country to keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings.