Warning: NIL warning for PLENTY

Situation: A strong southwest flow over New Zealand weakens on Saturday as a narrow ridge moves onto the country from the Tasman Sea. A trough crosses the South Island on Sunday and the North Island on Monday, followed by another ridge.

Forecast: Strong wind advisory. Thursday: Southwest 20 knots gusting 30 knots. Sea moderate. Fine weather. Friday: Southwest 20 knots gusting 30 knots rising to 25 knots gusting 35 knots in the morning. Moderate sea becoming rough in the morning. Mainly fine.

Outlook: Outlook until midnight Monday: Saturday: Southwest 20 knots, easing to 15 knots at night. Fine. Sunday: Tending northwest 10 knots. Fine spells, a few showers developing. Monday: Change to southerly 15 knots. Becoming fine.

Swell: Swell forecast to midnight Monday: Nil significant.

High tide at Tauranga
Time: 4:48pm Thursday 17 May 2012 - Height: 1.7m
Time: 5:05am Friday 18 May 2012 - Height: 1.7m
High tide at Whakatane
Time: 4:26pm Thursday 17 May 2012 - Height: 1.8m
Time: 4:43am Friday 18 May 2012 - Height: 1.8m