Temperatures consistent as light rain expected

MUGGY: Warm, wet weather conditions continue today and tomorrow, with clouds on the horizon and showers expected to clear by Thursday. PHOTO/DUNCAN BROWN

The easterly front shrouding Hawke's Bay with drizzle and warm air is set to bring bigger swells mid-week.

We can expect more of the same muggy conditions, with periods of heavier rain rolling in towards the afternoon today and throughout Wednesday.

Showers should ease into Thursday, according to MetService.

"It's not the best spot to be this week, but it's been so dry any rain will be welcome for a lot of people," meteorologist John Law said.

"An area of high pressure sits up to the north and the east of the country, and that's going to bring with it these wet periods."

Rain is the only thing falling, however, with temperatures sitting up about 23-24C for Napier and Hastings during the day.

The sea was also expected to rise, thanks to the same northeasterly winds, something for surfers and swimmers to be aware of, especially on more exposed parts of the coastline.

"We have got waves rising to 2.5 metres [today], falling to 1.5m [tomorrow]. With the easterly pushing onshore, it will pick up. It's hard to say exactly where but obviously exposed areas to the east, that's something to watch out for."

The dry weather has put the region's waterways under pressure, with restrictions in place for much of Hawke's Bay.

Dry conditions also raised fire danger levels throughout the region, with a total fire ban in force in Central Hawke's Bay as of 8am yesterday.

A total fire ban has been enforced by Hastings District Council on all beaches and public spaces since late last month. The Tararua and Wairoa Districts remain in restricted fire seasons.