Warning: Wild winds on way

A kitesurfer enjoys the wind off Westshore, Napier. Galeforce winds are expected to arrive in the region this afternoon. Photo / Duncan Brown

Bring the washing in and batten down the hatches - a severe weather watch is in force, with gales expected to hammer Hawke's Bay this afternoon.

MetService forecaster Rochelle Fleming said there was a severe weather watch in force for Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa, as westerly gales were expected from late this afternoon through to tomorrow morning. The winds may become severe for a time in exposed places. They are part of a southwesterly flow moving over the country.

"The winds will be gusting 100km/h in exposed places later in the day, starting in the late afternoon to evening," Ms Fleming said.

"But it will still be fine and reasonably warm as well, for the time of year."

Tomorrow a passing trough would herald scattered showers throughout the day, but the weather would clear up on Friday, becoming fine with winds easing.

"It looks good heading into the weekend," she said.

Residents were advised to stay up to date with the latest forecasts in case today's weather watch was upgraded to a full warning.