Editorial: Weather gods start to shine

So, we are finally starting to catch a glimpse of the famous sunny Hawke's Bay weather I have heard so much about.

The past couple of days have been an absolute pleasure. The nights are still a bit chilly for my liking, but at least the end of winter is in sight.

A former colleague of mine who recently moved back down to Napier after spending a few decades in Auckland emailed me to say that he was looking forward to the warmer weather because he had forgotten how cold it could get.

But before we get there Metservice is warning a "quick dusting" of snow could cap the Ruahine Range and Napier-Taupo road tonight and early tomorrow.

An intense high was expected to move slowly over the North Island, where southeasterlies north of the high could bring some snow to the ranges of both Hawke's Bay and Gisborne come Friday morning.

I have travelled the Napier-Taupo road a few times recently and it does require 100 per cent concentration.

Last Sunday was the worst trip I have had on that road. I drove back from Auckland and just after I turned on to the Napier-Taupo road, the heavy rain began and continued for the next hour.

At least this Sunday will be different with warm, sunny weather predicted for the weekend. We have a full programme of events planned in the Bay this summer, including the Food and Wine Classic, so it would be better if we could enjoy them in beautiful sunshine.