Second week of winter full of weather highs and lows, including gale force winds and some frost

The second week of winter is set to deliver a mixed bag of weather for Hawke's Bay, with 19C highs, gale force winds and scattered rain.

Although early risers were greeted with a dusting of frost at the weekend, over the coming days it looks to be a balmy week - with temperatures expected to get as high as 19C in parts of the region.

However, MetService meteorologist April Clark said a front was set to move up the country bringing heavy rain and possible thunderstorms to parts of the North Island.

While the East Coast would be quite sheltered from the front, Ms Clark said its effects would be felt with rain, and strong winds expected in places.

Today was expected to be fine with some high cloud from evening, and northwesterlies developing. Although Central Hawke's Bay and Mahia were expected to reach a high of only 15C, a balmy 18C was forecast for Hastings.

While tomorrow would be mainly fine there would be increasing high cloud, with scattered rain developing about the ranges in the evening, with a few showers spreading towards the coast.

Strong northwesterly winds were expected, Ms Clark said.

The week's highest temperature would come on Wednesday, with Napier expected to reach 19C. Across the region showers and strong southwesterlies were expected which could possibly turn to gales near the coast.

Thursday would see coastal showers clearing early, with winds turning westerly. But the change in wind would also bring cooler temperatures to the region - with highs of 12C in Mahia, 13C in Central Hawke's Bay, and 15C in Hastings.

Friday was expected to be mainly fine with isolated morning showers, with a southerly change.

Last month saw cooler temperatures and more rain than usual, Ms Clark said. A dusting of snow at sea level made what started off as a normal May pretty "atypical".