Warning: GALE warning for PORTLAND

Situation: A deep low should move slowly across central New Zealand on Thursday. A southwest flow develops over the area on Friday, then strengthens during the weekend.

Forecast: Wednesday: Variable 5 knots. Northwest 15 knots developing overnight. Smooth sea becoming slight overnight. Cloudy periods. Thursday: Northwest 15 knots rising to 20 knots gusting 30 knots in the morning. Slight sea becoming moderate in the morning. Fair visibility in a few showers.

Outlook: Outlook until midnight Sunday: Friday: Early change to southwest 40 knots. Rain developing. Saturday: Southwest easing to 25 knots. Showers. Sunday: Southwest easing to 10 knots. Becoming fine.

Swell: Swell forecast to midnight Sunday: Southerly 1 metre, rising 4 metres Friday easing Sunday.

High tide at Napier
Time: 1:46am Thursday 20 Jun 2013 - Height: 1.6m
Time: 2:18pm Thursday 20 Jun 2013 - Height: 1.7m