Parts of Hawke's Bay could wake up to damage from gales in excess of 100km/h, in what will be a windy start to the week for the region.
MetService meteorologist Andy Best said areas south of Hastings were particularly vulnerable as a cold front moved up from South Island on Sunday night, with a cool, southerly change following it.
"Ahead of that front, there are to be some quite strong north westerly winds and some rain due," Best said.
"High cloud is expected to thicken, with the north westerlies rising to gale in exposed places south of Hastings on Sunday evening, with gusts up to 100km/h.