Cloudy, slightly warmer days ahead for Hawke's Bay

A surfer took to the waves at Te Awanga Beach near Hastings yesterday morning despite the chilly weather. Photo/Paul Taylor

After a chilly start to the week MetService has forecast cloudy weather and an average temperature of 13C to 14C throughout the week.

Meteorologist Sarah Haddon said yesterday's cold weather was caused by a ridge over central New Zealand that was directing a southerly flow over the eastern part of the North Island.

"There's currently an onshore flow in the Bay with some showers and cloud mostly affecting the east coast of the North Island."

But Ms Haddon said the region could expect an "improving trend" over the coming days as the ridge moved to an "offshore flow" by tomorrow. It was forecast that as today progressed the ridge would slowly move and allow some cloud to clear.

"The cloud should break up today so the sun should be able to get through and warm things up too," Ms Haddon said.

She said yesterday's cold start could be put down to the morning's "clear skies" and added that the region's cloud cover would ensure temperatures were warmer.

The region's temperatures over the coming days were forecast to reach a high of 13C to 14C during the days, dropping to as low as 2C at night.

While there wasn't any rain forecast for Napier or Hastings, Ms Haddon said Wairoa could expect to get wet today.

The forecast for tomorrow was a crisp, fine start to the day with a high of 13C and light winds.

The fine conditions were also set to progress into Thursday and Friday, with light winds and sunny weather in store for the region at the latter end of the week.