The Bay of Plenty is set to have improving conditions heading into Anzac weekend after a week of turbulent weather.

MetService said a strengthening high-pressure system will bring more settled weather to much of Aotearoa, offering a welcome reprieve after recent severe conditions.

While parts of the upper North Island are still dealing with lingering rain, the Bay of Plenty is expected to fare better as the weekend approaches.

MetService meteorologist John Law said the worst of the unsettled conditions are starting to ease.

“For most of the country, high pressure will bring some very welcome settled weather this weekend,” Law said.

“A band of rain will brush the top of the North Island overnight tonight and on Friday, keeping areas like Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel on the wetter side.”

Heavy rain warnings remain in place for Great Barrier Island and parts of eastern Northland and eastern Auckland, while heavy rain watches extend into the Coromandel Peninsula north of Whitianga.

Although the Bay of Plenty is not included in these warnings, residents are being advised to stay alert, particularly in coastal and eastern areas close to the Coromandel ranges.

Conditions are forecast to improve in the Bay of Plenty in time for Anzac Day commemorations on Saturday, with largely dry weather expected across Tauranga, Rotorua and Whakatāne.

Isolated showers are still possible early in the morning, particularly near the coast, but widespread rain is not anticipated.

“Dawn services are looking mostly dry across most regions, but it will be a cold start, especially inland,” Law said.

It's looking like clear skies ahead this weekend. Image / MetService

Early-morning temperatures are expected to dip into the low single digits in sheltered inland areas, while coastal parts of the Bay of Plenty are likely to be a little less chilly, though still crisp for dawn services.

Sunshine later in the day is expected to lift temperatures, making for pleasant afternoons across the region.

While the eastern South Island is forecast to have the warmest conditions nationally, the Bay of Plenty can also expect mild daytime temperatures after a cooler-than-average week.

The settled weather pattern is expected to persist through the remainder of the long weekend. High pressure is forecast to dominate on Monday, bringing mainly fine conditions across the Bay of Plenty, with only a small chance of brief showers.

For communities that have endured days of unsettled and, at times, severe weather, the calmer outlook will be a pleasant change.

“For many areas – especially those recently affected by severe weather – the calmer conditions will be a welcome break,” Law said.