Warning: Gale warning in force for all areas.

Situation: Strong to gale westerlies over the country, turn cold southwest early Tuesday, then ease on Wednesday as a ridge develops and moves over the area on Thursday.

Forecast: For Manukau and Waitemata Harbours and Hauraki Gulf: Sunday: Southwest 20 knots gusting 30 knots, tending westerly 15 knots this afternoon, then rising to 20 knots gusting 30 knots tonight. Moderate sea becoming slight this afternoon and moderate again tonight. Sea choppy when wind opposes tide. Fine weather. Monday: Westerly 20 knots gusting 30 knots, rising to 25 knots gusting 35 knots in the morning and to 35 knots gusting 45 knots in the evening. Sea moderate but choppy when wind opposes tide, becoming rough in the morning and very rough in the evening. Poor visibility in showers developing in the afternoon. For Bream Head to Cape Colville: Sunday: Southwest 20 knots gusting 30 knots, easing to 15 knots this afternoon, then tending westerly 15 knots this evening. Moderate sea becoming slight this afternoon. Fine weather. Monday: Westerly 15 knots rising to 20 knots in the morning, to 25 knots gusting 35 knots in the afternoon, and to 35 knots gusting 45 knots in the evening. Slight sea becoming moderate in the morning and rough at night. Poor visibility in showers developing in the afternoon.

Outlook: Outlook until midnight Thursday: Tuesday: Southwest rising to 40 knots early, easing to 30 knots late.Showers, heavy and thundery. Wednesday: Southwest easing to 15 knots. A few showers. Thursday: Southwest 15 knots. Cloudy periods, odd shower.

Swell: Swell forecast to midnight Thursday: East Coast: Northerly 2 metres, easing to 1 metre tonight, then gradually dying out on Monday. West Coast: Southwest rising to 2 metres today, to 4 metres Monday, to 5.5 metres for a time on Tuesday, then easing to 2 metres on Thursday.

High tide at Auckland
Time: 8:25pm Sunday 26 May 2013 - Height: 3.6m
Time: 8:45am Monday 27 May 2013 - Height: 3.4m
High tide at Onehunga
Time: 11:45pm Sunday 26 May 2013 - Height: 4.3m
Time: 12:08pm Monday 27 May 2013 - Height: 4.2m