Windy but warm.



Gales to hit Wellington and East Coast
21 September 2006

A widespread bout of strong north-westerly winds will hit the East Coast and Wellington on Saturday and Monday, bringing heavy rain to the Southern Alps.

MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt described the winds as "equinoctial gales", caused by the contrast between extreme cold in Antarctica and emerging tropical weather heading southward.

"It feeds off the difference in temperature between the tropics and Antarctica, so it's no surprise they're strong and widespread at the moment."

As a result, Otago and Canterbury will be hot, dry, and gusty over the next few days, adding to the risk of fire.