Spring swing: Hastings set to hit 28C ahead of frost warning

Moody hues on display from the Hawke's Bay Expressway on Wednesday. Photo / Warren Buckland

Hastings is poised to top the country’s temperatures on Thursday with a belting spring high of 28C.

Twin city Napier isn’t far behind with a predicted 27C, yet both are in for a dramatic drop come Friday.

Metservice meteorologist Alec Holden said a new front was behind the highs. “The [front] is moving up the country, and when it hits the mountains, [it will then] dry and descend and will heat up Napier and Hastings really quickly.”

The South Island’s Kaikōura is the only place expected to push against Hawke’s Bay for the top spot, with an expected high of 26C.

The region’s highs come in stark contrast to the nearly 30 warnings and watches issued on Wednesday, with heavy rain, severe gales and snow to sea level set to envelop central and southern New Zealand in the coming days.

The lower North Island is being warned to brace for destructive gales, and those in the South Island are advised snow could affect roads and bring stress to livestock.

However, Hawke’s Bay’s Thursday heat won’t linger for long.

Tropical Cyclone Lola over Vanuatu as seen in satellite imagery at 11am (NZ time) on Wednesday.

Holden said the temperatures would drop on Friday night and could herald potential frosts, with overnight lows expected to drop to 3-4C. He said this may “definitely be a concern” to local orchardists with early fruit.

The meteorologist said as of midday Thursday, there was no data to indicate any impact Tropical Cyclone Lola may have on Hawke’s Bay.

“Auckland and Northland are expected to get some showers and wind as a result of the cyclone, but it’s a little early to know yet if it will have any effect for further south, like Hawke’s Bay. As it stands, there’s all to play for.”

MetService confirmed it’s keeping a close eye on Lola’s track, and expects wind to pick up in the north of New Zealand towards the end of the weekend and the start of next week.

The cyclone could interact with another low-pressure system coming from the Tasman, but by this time, Lola would not be a tropical cyclone.

The agency earlier said it will be the most intense tropical cyclone in recorded history to form ahead of the official start of the Southern Hemisphere season, which runs from November 1 to April 30.