Winds ease for outdoor events on Saturday

BREEZY: Moderate winds in Napier yesterday helped fill the sails for these youngsters enjoying yachting at Pandora Pond. PHOTO/PAUL TAYLOR

Gusty winds picked up in parts of Hawke's Bay yesterday foreshadowing an unsettled couple of days in the region, but the situation is expected to calm down again at the weekend.

Metservice duty meteorologist Mariken van Laanen said the windy conditions were expected to continue through till this morning.

"From this afternoon we are expecting the wind to change to southwesterlies, getting stronger mostly about the coast."

Showers were also forecast for today, some heavy in the western ranges with the possibility of hail, she said.

"Some of this will spread further east as it moves through and heads out to the coast."
Any remaining showers were due to clear tomorrowmorning or afternoon, and then clear up for the start of the weekend.

Early yesterday afternoon, Napier recorded the country's highest temperature of 23.8C, but temperatures were expected to cool today and tomorrow, she said.

There was a slight possibility that southerly gales would become severe in exposed areas of coastal Central Hawke's Bay today.

A clear spell for the weekend, however, boded well for a couple of outdoor events in the Bay this Saturday.

From 12.30pm, Abbey Cellars & Fat Monk Brewing will host the first of its Summer Series, featuring international live performer Ian Munro - no door charge, picnic tables available for own food.

Kick back relax and listen to sweet music while sipping on boutique beer and wine in the vines - runs until 3.30pm.

On Saturday night, the Tiki Taane - One Man Band open-air show is on at the Black Barn Market Round.

One of the busiest musicians in New Zealand, he's known as the "king of dubs" whose musical influences traverse dubstep, reggae, drum 'n bass, hip-hop, and more contemporary pop/rock sensibilities.

At Saturday's show the trees will be lit, braziers will burn and pizzas will cook. Bring rugs, pillows, bean bags - settle in and get comfortable for an evening of good tunes and vibes.
An all ages concert, tickets cost $32 + BF, gates open at 7.30pm, the show starts at 8pm and finishes about 10.30pm.