Warning: NIL warning for COOK

Situation: A complex trough and associated low move over the area late today and Thursday. The trough is preceded by northerlies and followed by strong southerlies.The southerlies ease slightly on Saturday as a ridge develops in the Tasman Sea.

Forecast: Wednesday: Northerly 15 knots changing southerly 15 knots this morning, rising to 20 knots this afternoon. Slight sea becoming moderate this afternoon.Poor visibility in showers.

Outlook: Outlook until midnight Saturday: Thursday: Southerly rising to 45 knots in the afternoon. Rain, heavy at times. Friday: Southerly easing to 35 knots. Heavy rain easing. Saturday: Southerly easing to 15 knots. A few showers.

Swell: Swell forecast to midnight Saturday: For Wellington South Coast and Palliser Bay: Southerly 1 metre, rising to 4 metres Thursday to 6 or 7 metres Friday, then easing to 4 metres Saturday. For Castlepoint: Easterly 1.5 metres dying out today. Southerly 1.5 metres developing today, rising to 4 metres Thursday, to 6 or 7 metres Friday, then easing to 4.5 metres Saturday.

High tide at Wellington
Time: 12:43pm Wednesday 19 Jun 2013 - Height: 1.6m
Time: 1:08am Thursday 20 Jun 2013 - Height: 1.6m
High tide at Karehana Bay
Time: 5:43pm Wednesday 19 Jun 2013 - Height: 1.4m
Time: 6:09am Thursday 20 Jun 2013 - Height: 1.5m