Damp, soggy conditions that beset the Hawke's Bay region leading up to and over the weekend are due to clear in the days ahead, bringing mostly fine conditions by the end of this week.
Despite torrential rain and flooding at the Horse of the Year on Saturday, which forced the cancellation of the eventing and showjumping in all arenas at the Hawke's Bay Showgrounds, conditions began to improve yesterday before further rain headed south later in the afternoon, forecast to bring thunderstorms to some parts of the region.
Yesterday afternoon police advisied motorists to take extra care on the roads in central Hawke's Bay as heavy rain had caused surface flooding.
Two of the worst affected areas were the Takapau township and State Highway 50 near Paget Road.
Police said that drivers in the area should slow down, increase their following distances and drive to the conditions.