More cold weather headed our way

The incoming cold weather could impact the growth of kiwifruit.

Cold weather is expected to continue later in the week, potentially affecting kiwifruit growers.

After a short break from the cold this morning, with a low of 8C, morning temperatures tomorrow and Friday are expected to be just 5C.

"There is potential that there could be a frost on Thursday and Friday mornings," MetService meteorologist Peter Little said.

Overnight temperatures later in the week would still be higher than Tuesday morning's low of 2C.

"It looks like there's going to be a lot more cloud cover, particularly over the east of the North Island ... cloud acts as a blanket."

The weather was expected to be warm during the day on Friday and Saturday with balmy autumn high temperatures of 19C and 20C forecast for Napier until the end of the week. Highs in Hastings are predicted to be just 1C lower.

Showers are likely today and tomorrow, and some cloud cover would remain until Monday.

Overnight temperatures were expected to rise over the weekend, reaching 9C. Most fruit growers were unaffected by the frosts because harvests had already finished for the season.

"Our harvest is complete so any effect will be negligible," Pipfruit chief executive Alan Pollard said.

Cold winter weather was actually positive for some.

Hawke's Bay Fruitgrowers' Association chairwoman Lesley Wilson said the cold over winter was good for next season's crop.

However, a small number of kiwifruit growers have not yet harvested their fruit, meaning more cold weather would not be welcome.

Zespri spokesman David Courtney said the harvest was "nearly complete" in Hawke's Bay, particularly those in locations most commonly affected by frosts.

"Orchards most at risk from frosts have already harvested."

There have been no reports of damage coming from the 100 or so kiwifruit growers in the region.

"Orchards in the region have frost protection in place, with frost fans and overhead sprays," Mr Courtney said.