Sun on horizon for week ahead

"2 Brothers", Wai Te Meihana, 19, and Rowe Te Meihana, 17, performing in Albert Square. Photo / Duncan Brown

The wild winds are on their way as the Bay heads for a high of 26C tomorrow.

MetService meteorologist Lisa Murray said the gale-force winds expected for the region had stayed off the coast and the Bay will have a "nice week with warm temperatures".

Cape Kidnappers only received northwesterly gusts of 56km/h, the strongest recorded in the region yesterday.

A few gusts will remain in play for the early part of the day but should ease off in the afternoon.

"The strongest winds will be situated in the ranges and shouldn't affect Napier and Hastings."

Ms Murray said winds would be strong through the Manawatu Gorge and that Dannevirke could be in for a bit of a battering.

Today will remain fine with northwesterlies strong for a time in the morning.

The severe weather warning has been downgraded to a watch which will remain in place until midday today.

"The watch is in place so we can keep an eye on conditions. It's pretty typical weather for this time of year," Ms Murray said.

She said we were experiencing a spring-like pattern as northwesterly winds tend to dry the air and warm up temperatures.

"The East Coast of the North Island will get some pretty decent almost summer-like temperatures."

Napier will hit 22C and 26C today and tomorrow but will drop back down to 18C after a southerly change which may bring a few scattered showers.

Ms Murray said these highs were about 6C above the monthly mean. Friday will again be fine which should continue into the weekend.