Warning: GALE warning for CONWAY

Situation: A complex low over central New Zealand moves east across the country today, followed by a ridge on Friday. On Saturday, northwesterlies strengthen over the area, followed by disturbed southwesterlies on Monday.

Forecast: Strong wind advisory. Thursday: Southwest 25 knots gusting 40 knots, easing to 20 knots gusting 30 knots this evening. Rough sea becoming moderate this evening. Fair visibility in a few showers. Friday: Southwest 20 knots gusting 30 knots, easing to 10 knots in the morning and to variable 5 knots in the afternoon. Northeast 10 knots developing in the evening. Moderate sea becoming slight in the morning, smooth in the afternoon and slight again in the evening. Becoming fine.

Outlook: Outlook until midnight Monday: Saturday: Northerly 15 knots, rising to 20 knots in the evening. Fine. Sunday: Becoming northwest 20 knots in the morning then turning westerly 15 knots in the evening. Fine, but a few late showers. Monday: Westerly 15 knots changing southwest 25 knots later. A few showers.

Swell: Swell forecast to midnight Monday: Southeast 1 metre or less, dying out Friday then redeveloping on Monday. Northeast 1 metre developing Saturday, then dying out Sunday.

High tide at Lyttelton
Time: 2:58am Friday 24 May 2013 - Height: 2.3m
Time: 3:30pm Friday 24 May 2013 - Height: 2.5m