After a soaking spell of rain across the Bay of Plenty late last week, calmer conditions are setting in as a large high-pressure system moves east across the country.

The shift brings a stretch of classic autumn weather to the region, with cooler mornings followed by sunny, settled afternoons through much of the week.

MetService said places such as Tauranga, Rotorua, and Whakatāne could expect dry days and plenty of sunshine, a welcome change after recent wet conditions that left some rivers running high and gardens well-watered.

While the Bay of Plenty avoids the coldest temperatures expected elsewhere, mornings will still have a noticeable chill.

Overnight lows are forecast to dip into the high single digits in inland areas such as Rotorua early on Wednesday, with milder conditions along the coast.

MetService meteorologist Paris Marshall said cooler air was spreading across much of the country.

“Minimum temperatures are dropping into the single digits for many early on Wednesday morning.

“While the coldest readings are expected inland in the lower North Island and South Island, people in central parts of the Bay of Plenty will certainly notice the change.”

Daytime temperatures will rebound nicely, with clear skies allowing afternoon highs to climb into the high teens and low 20s across the region – ideal conditions for outdoor activities, school holidays, and time in the backyard.

Elsewhere, a cold Tuesday night is forecast for much of the lower North Island and South Island, with temperatures falling to about 2C in Masterton, Twizel and Alexandra. Frost is possible in sheltered areas, particularly inland.

Some cooler weather is on the way to end March. Image / MetService

Looking ahead to the Easter weekend, the Bay of Plenty is set to fare better than other parts of the country.

A front arriving on Good Friday is expected to bring rainfall mainly to the West Coast of the South Island, while most North Island regions, including the Bay of Plenty, should stay largely dry.

“It’s shaping up to be a decent start to Easter for many,” Marshall said.

“But it’s still important to keep checking the forecast as we get closer, especially if you’re planning outdoor activities or heading away to camp.”

With settled weather, crisp mornings, and sunny afternoons on the way, it’s a timely reminder that autumn has arrived, bringing cooler nights but plenty of fine days.