Strong, cold winds will lash New Zealand on Wednesday, as a southerly change sweeps up the country.
The winds start around the lower South Island early this morning, and reach the upper North Island later this afternoon.
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"A front over the central South Island is moving northeast across the rest of New Zealand today," MetService says.
"The front is preceded by a period of strong west to northwesterly winds and followed by a change to strong and cold southwesterlies."
MetService has issued a number of strong wind watches for both in the North Island and South Island as there are fears winds may grow even more severe.
The Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty west of Papamoa, Waikato, Waitomo and Taranaki north of the mountain have watches issued from 2pm to 10pm on Wednesday.
"Southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places during this time," MetService says.
The Hawke's Bay, the Tararua District and Wairarapa have watches issued for squally southwesterlies until 9pm, which may approach severe gale in exposed places.
And Nelson west of Motueka has a watch issued until 4pm for southwest winds, which may approach severe gale levels in exposed places.
MetServce also warns these strong winds can generate large swells quickly, with five-metre waves forecast for western coasts.
Newshub.
