Warning: GALE warning for COOK

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: Gale warning. Thursday: Northerly 10 knots rising to northwest 15 knots late afternoon, then to 20 knots gusting 30 knots tonight. Slight sea becoming moderate tonight. Fine weather. Friday: Northwest 20 knots gusting 30 knots turning southwest early morning, then rising to 25 knots gusting 35 knots early afternoon, then to 30 knots gusting 40 knots in the evening, and to 35 knots gusting 45 knots about the south coast. Slight sea becoming rough early afternoon and very rough about the south coast in the evening. Fair visibility in a few afternoon showers.

Outlook: Outlook until midnight Monday: Saturday: Southwest 30 knots easing to 20 knots in the afternoon and to 10 knots at night. A few showers, clearing in the evening. Sunday: Becoming northerly 10 knots in the morning, dying out at night. Becoming cloudy, a few showers developing. Monday: Southerly rising to 15 knots. A few showers.

Swell: Swell forecast to midnight Monday: For the Wellington South Coast and Palliser Bay: Southerly 2 metres, rising to 4 to 5 metres Friday evening, easing to 3 metres on Saturday and to 1.5 metres on Sunday. For Castlepoint: Southerly 2 metres, rising to 5 metres Friday evening, easing to 3 metres on Saturday and 2 metres on Sunday.

High tide at Wellington
Time: 2:20pm Thursday 17 May 2012 - Height: 1.6m
Time: 2:46am Friday 18 May 2012 - Height: 1.5m
High tide at Karehana Bay
Time: 7:30pm Thursday 17 May 2012 - Height: 1.2m
Time: 7:40am Friday 18 May 2012 - Height: 1.2m