Bay of Plenty residents can expect sunny, settled weather heading into the weekend, but with chilly mornings as clear skies allow temperatures to drop overnight.

MetService said a large high‑pressure system is building over New Zealand, bringing lighter winds and settled conditions for much of the country, including the Bay of Plenty.

The system also acts as a barrier to more severe weather, setting the scene for a fine weekend.

However, clear skies are also leading to colder, frost‑prone nights across inland areas.

Meteorologist Paris Marshall said a recent cold change from the south, combined with clear overnight conditions, was allowing heat to escape more easily after sunset.

“While clearer skies can mean warmer daytime temperatures, the opposite effect is expected overnight,” Marshall said.

“Cloud cover typically acts like a blanket, trapping heat from the sun during the day. With fewer clouds, that heat escapes more readily.”

As a result, frosts are likely to continue over the coming nights in central and eastern areas, with inland Bay of Plenty locations most affected.

Places such as Rotorua, Taupō and other higher‑elevation or sheltered areas are expected to see the coldest starts.

Coastal areas, including Tauranga and Mount Maunganui, are also feeling the chill early in the day, though temperatures are forecast to warm quickly once the sun rises.

Marshall advised people heading out early to allow extra time on frosty roads and to dress warmly for morning commutes and school drop‑offs.

The settled conditions are expected to continue through the weekend, providing plenty of sunshine during the day before cooler nights set in again.