Hawke’s Bay residents are being warned to brace for a day of extreme weather. As powerful northwesterly gales sweep across the region. Followed by a burst of unseasonably hot temperatures later in the week.

MetService has issued an orange strong wind warning for the area, effective for 10 hours from 10am to 8pm tomorrow. Forecasts predicting severe gale-force winds gusting up to 120km/h in exposed areas. The winds are expected to peak during the afternoon, posing risks to property, power lines, trees, and road users — particularly high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists.

The forecaster has cautioned that the potentially damaging gales could also create dangerous fire conditions. With dry air and strong gusts capable of spreading flames rapidly. Residents are urged to secure outdoor furniture, trampolines, and other loose items ahead of the storm and to avoid unnecessary travel during the peak of the winds.

Meteorologists say the turbulent weather is being driven by a fast-moving northwest flow funnelling across the country. Which will also drag in warm, dry air from inland Australia. As the system passes, temperatures across Hawke’s Bay are expected to soar close to 30°C, turning the region into what forecasters are calling a “spring furnace.”

While the heat will offer a taste of early summer. It comes with a warning about increased fire danger and dehydration risks for those working outdoors.

Winds are expected to ease tomorrow night. Giving way to clear skies and rising temperatures through the rest of the week. Authorities are urging residents to stay updated via official MetService alerts and take precautions to stay safe during the volatile weather.