Heavy rain watch issued for Northern Hawke's Bay

MetService issued a severe weather watch for heavy rain in the Wairoa district of Hawke's Bay last night, which is expected to last until this evening.

People were advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case parts of this watch were upgraded to a warning.

MetService meteorologist Sarah Sparks said the rest of Hawke's Bay could expect rain today but tomorrow would change to periods of showers with southerly winds.

"The showers will be less and it should not be as cool as Wednesday with temperatures back to the mid teens."

Yesterday the high for Napier and Hastings was just 10C.

Saturday was expected to be an improvement with isolated showers only about the ranges.

"Urban and coastal areas will be cloudy, and the southerlies should ease to light winds. The temperature would sit around 15C continuing to be warmer than Wednesday."

Ms Sparks said the weather would deteriorate again on Sunday with a few showers about the region.

"Looking in to the beginning of next week rain is expected to develop and last for a few days."

Hawke's Bay farmers prayed for rain with summer not too far away.

Wairoa mayor and farmer Craig Little said they had been wanting rain earlier and were worried they were not going to get it.

"We are happy our wish for rain has finally been answered."

He said the last wet spell was on and off but this one seemed to be more constant.

"It is not doing any damage yet and most farmers around us have nearly finished lambing so it should be good for most people."

He said the rain was not heavy enough to cause concern for the lambs yet but he would keep watch over the next few days.

Northern Hawke's Bay farmer Barney Crystal also said he welcomed the rain as he had almost finished lambing.

"We want the rain especially with the dry season not too far off."

He said they had not had too much yet but they were expecting it all to fall last night.

"We have only had about an inch today so we are hoping more falls over the next few days.

According to MetService, farmers like Mr Crystal should be in luck with the rain expected to stay a while longer yet.