The winter of storms

July in New Zealand is usually one of the more settled months. It is mid winter. it is cold and the winds are usually lighter. Sure, there is the odd chance of maybe a southerly storm blasting through. However, this July has not been normal. Every week in July has seen an intense storm hit Wellington, typically from the south. And they have been violent! The type of storms you only expect a couple a times of year (if that), often sustaining average wind speeds of over 50 knots.

At this very moment I am hunkering down in front of the fire listening to yet another gale force southerly. At the same time I'm looking at the forecast trying to make some plans for this weekend and spot this beast (see picture below) dropping out of the Tasman Sea to spank the North Island. 967 hPa! over the North Island! Batten down the hatches!

I almost feel sorry for a mate of mine who is heading to Tavarua this weekend, only to meet the swell of the century. He is gonna have to pack an extra set of gonads!