July brings warmer temperatures to Hawke's Bay

Akaysha Cooper of Waipukurau takes time out in Emerson St, Napier to enjoy her lunch. Photo / Warren Buckland

It is set to be a perfect end to the school holidays, with a continuation of warm temperatures coupled with settled weather.

MetService meteorologist Lisa Murray said a ridge of high-pressure extends across the North Island throughout the week.

Yesterday temperatures reached a high of 18C, thanks to northwesterly winds. That will be carry on today, with northwesterly winds bringing a high of 17C.

The first two weeks of July have been warmer than average, though not by much, Murray said. Overnight temperatures on July 8 and 9 were particularly of note, with lows of 11C and 12C - warmer than usual.

The average temperature in July is about 13C or 14C. Murray said the long-term mean, which calculates the overnight minimums and daily maximums and averages it out for the month, is usually 9.2 whereas so far it is 9.8. "That might only seem like .6 of a degree but averaging that over the hours is certainly going to be warmer.

"It will be interesting to see what happens in the next two weeks to see if the trend were to continue. It will certainly be a hotter month but I have a feeling it will go back to normal after the end of this week."

Despite highs not dropping below 16C this week, overnight lows will be a lot cooler with an expected 3C for the rest of the month.

A frontal system is set to move up New Zealand mid-week, replaced by another ridge of high pressure shortly after. However the eastern areas are sheltered and can expect the odd drop of rain.

"On Thursday the cloud does increase with the front coming up the country but [Hawke's Bay] is generally sheltered. The cloud build-up will be noticeable certainly along the ranges," Murray said.