The weather gods smiled on festivities yesterday, with sunshine and temperatures reaching well into the 20s.
Wairoa was the warmest spot in the region, reaching 28C, while Hastings was not far behind.
About 600 people flocked to Ocean Baech yesterday to cool off.
Ocean Beach Senior Guard, Laird Kouger said it had been "pretty steady" with 90 people counted in the water at one time.
However, MetService meteorologist Ciaran Doolin said it was not here to stay, with a front moving through the region during the course of today.
"We are forecasting for cloud to increase and scattered showers to develop in the morning, and for that to turn into rain in the afternoon, with possible thunderstorms and hail.
"As far as the wind goes, we are forecasting northerlies to pick up and to change to strong southerlies in the evening," Mr Doolin said.
Heading into tomorrow, rain is expected to ease to a few showers in the morning, with fine spells developing and southerlies strong about the coast.
Mr Doolin said on Thursday there would be "periods of rain north of Wairoa, with some heavy falls possible and a few showers further south, as well as strong southerlies about the coast".
Today, Napier is forecast to reach a maximum of 27C, dropping significantly tomorrow and Thursday with "quite a lot cooler 19C".
"The drop in temperatures is due to the front going through at that point, bringing colder air up with it."
As another ridge moves over the country for the final few days of 2017, a few days of dry weather are expected for the region.