Fine weather is forecast for tomorrow's Ranfurly Shield game as the rugby gods appear to have granted the region a small window of sun over McLean Park.
MetService media and communications meteorologist Daniel Corbett said the weather for the big match, which kicks off at 4.35pm, will be sunny and warm.
"We are getting rid of this quick wintry blast that has come through from a south-south-easterly flow. There might be some thunderstorms up Gisborne way but they will peter out as they head down towards Hawke's Bay [today]."
"On Saturday, however, a northwest flow will arrive and, believe it or not, it will be actually quite warm and pleasant, with a nice warm wind. By the time the match kicks off it is easily going to be 16C or 17C. It looks like Saturday night will have the odd spot of rain but during the game it should be fine, with just some high cloud and gentle winds."
He said tomorrow's snapshot of settled fine weather was forecast to be surrounded by a continued cold snap today, due to a brisk southerly, while further southerlies and showers are expected to arrive on Sunday.
Mr Corbett said the game against Counties-Manukau would be spared any high winds as tomorrow's northwesterly strengthens after the match, with wind gusts reaching 20-40km/h about 8-9pm as a front closes in.
"Sunday will see the arrival of the southwest change with showers as the front moves in from Wellington."
Today, Napier will receive morning cloud and a fresh southerly, before becoming fine for tomorrow later in the evening. MetService forecasts a high of 13C and low of 3C. Hastings will have similar conditions, with a high of 13C and low 4C.
"Napier will start out quite chilly at about 4C-5C with some frost inland, that will set the scene," said Mr Corbett.
Next week the country's first spring storm is expected to hit the country, bringing strong winds to central and eastern areas.
WeatherWatch forecasts the storm to hit on Tuesday and ease over the rest of the week.