Motorists warned over gusts

Bay motorists are advised to take care this morning as winds gust at more than 100km/h in places.

The region is otherwise unaffected by fronts which brought severe weather to other parts of the country. Dry, mild weather is forecast for the rest of the week.

WeatherWatch.co.nz forecaster Philip Duncan said strong winds this morningwould gust at more than 100km/h in exposed places.

Motorists, especially truck drivers, were advised to be cautious on roads in open areas.

Hawke's Bay Coastguard duty officer Neil Daykin said choppy seas were expected off Napier. Boaties should ensure moorings were tight and secure and check the forecast before leaving shore.

Mr Duncan said the winds would ease during the day, before turning westerly and dying out this evening.

Scattered showers today would be heaviest on the ranges.

But weather would be "mostly dry and mild for the next several days".

MetService meteorologist Rob Kerr said the west coast of the country had borne the brunt of heavy rain and strong gales caused by an active trough; described as a "winter storm" by some media outlets.

Today would be the warmest day of the week, at 20C, Mr Kerr said.