Motorists warned of severe gusts

Photo / Warren Buckland

More wild winds are set to whip the region this week, with forecasters urging motorists to brace for severe gusts up to 80km/h.

WeatherWatch.co.nz head weather analyst Philip Duncan said the region was "in the firing line for some strong westerlies" today, with severe gales in the ranges.

"It'll be very blustery in some areas [today], mostly up in the hills."

The high winds would "come in surges" for the rest of the week, with calm spells lasting up to six hours expected as well.

Wind would peak over the North Island tomorrow morning, with severe gusts of up to 80km/h possible in Napier and Hastings and gusts of more than 100km/h possible in exposed places about the ranges.

Winds above 62km/h are considered gale force.

Mr Duncan warned motorists, particularly those planning to travel between Hawke's Bay and Taupo, to exercise caution on roads.

"People driving out of Hawke's Bay need to be aware of severe gusts. Truck drivers watch out, or you'll get blown over again."

Severe gales that hammered the region early this month overturned two trucks, one on the Napier-Hastings Expressway and one on the Napier-Taupo highway, which is notorious for wind gusts.

Mr Duncan expected this week's wild winds to ease on Saturday, which would be "the calmest day of the week," with a pleasant high of 20C.

Sunday would also be "nice, hot and sunny" with a high of 25C - 11C hotter than yesterday's high of just 14C.