Transtasman rower Shaun Quincey may have to change track with a south-easterly wind building.
It could push him off-course and scupper his plans to land near New Plymouth.
Quincey told Radio New Zealand the weather was starting to build and he expected to get "a bit of a battering" over the next few days in the strong easterly conditions.
"It's a little bit unfortunate. I'll get pushed further and further north and further back to Australia," he said.
He estimated it could set him back by 100km or more.
It's nothing I haven't experienced before in the Tasman. It's just very frustrating and a little bit demoralising."
Weatherwatch weather analyst Philip Duncan said a southern storm could affect Quincey's journey.
MetService forecaster Andy Downs said winds were coming from the Pacific and were about 20 knots at present but would build to 30 knots and more.
"But they're not horrific winds," Mr Downs said.
After two earlier capsizes, Quincey said he was hoping the storm would not tip him over again and would be taking extra precautions to prevent it.
He said he was definitely getting weaker and was working at about 70 per cent of the strength he started with when he left Australia on January 20.
The weather would dictate exactly where and when he landed but Quincey expected it would somewhere between Wanganui and Raglan, in about two weeks.
"I am really looking forward to getting stuck into some good home-made food," he said.
Earlier this week Taupo rescue pilot John Funnell flew over Quincey and dropped 38 litres of drinking water, coffee, a newspaper and a toothbrush.
His row was to raise funds and awareness for Surf Life Saving New Zealand.
- NZPA
Weather may force Transtasman rower off-track
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