Wet end to school holidays for Hawke's Bay

A cool change is coming to Hawke's Bay, with temperatures expected to drop over the weekend, and possible snow in the ranges.

MetService meteorologist James Millward, said the wind would change from northerly to southerly on Friday afternoon, bringing with it colder temperatures, rain and wind.

"We could even see some snow lowering to around 700 metres around the ranges with that."

Saturday was expected to be cold, with temperatures in Napier and Hastings dropping to 11C, and the rain set to continue.

"It'll feel pretty cold on Saturday, with that southerly, and it will be a pretty strong, gusty southerly too.

"People will want to take their coats outside with them that's for sure."

Rain would gradually ease on Saturday evening, but showers could linger into Sunday.

Sunday would see an "upward trend" with all rain set to clear by the evening and middling temperatures, Millward said.

Those travelling back to Hawke's Bay after school holidays should keep an eye on the roads, with snow predicted to affect both the Desert Road and Napier-Taupo Road on Friday night and Saturday.

Hawke's Bay is not alone in having a wet weekend with severe weather warnings in place for Marlborough, Wellington and Taranaki. Both Canterbury and Marlborough have snow warnings in place.