There is a sharp dichotomy of opinion this summer – those who need some rain and those who want a break from it.

Yesterday's weather should've pleased some of the first group, as scattered rain spread into parts of Hawke's Bay, while the long weekend should please the latter.

There is even a brief reprise for everyone from the persistent winds over southern and central New Zealand on Saturday, although these return later on Sunday.

Yesterday, a stalled front is brought heavy rain to western parts of the North Island, with 50 to 80mm predicted for the low-lying areas of Horowhenua, Kapiti and northern Taranaki by 3am Friday, with up to 180mm possible in the ranges.

'This February rain also spreads across to the parched east, bringing welcome scattered showers to Hawke's Bay, although these falls will hopefully fit in with the cricket and have little appetite for disruption,” says MetService meteorologist Tom Adams.

No significant rain is expected to reach equally dry Northland, but the calm and dry weather will be good for those commemorating the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi on Monday.

Today, the rain further south eases, and cloud gradually breaks up for a fine long weekend. A front tries to crash the party on Saturday, bringing a spell of rain to the South Island West Coast.

'However, our estranged high pressure finally sinks south and eases the rain in the afternoon, while ensuring a dry day for the rest of the country,” says Tom.

'Sunday will be mostly fine too, although once again we say ‘welcome to the jetstream' as northwesterlies become strong over the South Island, and a front nears New Zealand with the chance of some night rain in the far south.”

Monday should also be dry for most, although the northwesterlies spread up over the North Island, bringing some hot temperatures to Hawkes Bay.

It could be fine in the Paradise City of Wellington at first, but cloud quickly builds with the chance of some late drizzle.

Anything goes in the South Island, with heavy rain on the West Coast, and a mix of sun and showers in the east.