Bay of Plenty residents are being encouraged to make the most of a stretch of settled autumn weather.

Clear skies and crisp temperatures were forecast to dominate the weekend.

MetService meteorologist Dom Barry said a ridge of high pressure was taking control across much of the country, bringing calm and sunny conditions through to early next week.

“Now’s the time to get out and do that next outdoor adventure or finish off that DIY project, while the great weather lasts,” Barry said.

For Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty, that means largely fine days ideal for outdoor plans, though locals should be prepared for chilly starts.

Overnight temperatures are expected to drop into the low single digits, with frost possible in sheltered inland spots.

Despite the cold mornings, daytime highs in the early teens should provide a pleasant autumn feel, offering good conditions for sports fixtures and weekend events across the region.

However, not all parts of the North Island will remain completely dry.

Barry said an onshore flow would push cloud into some eastern areas, with the potential for showers in elevated locations.

While the Bay of Plenty may see periods of cloud at times, the overall outlook remains largely settled compared with the more changeable weather seen earlier this year.

The settled pattern is expected to hold through the start of next week, bringing a welcome break from recent bouts of unsettled conditions.

For Bay of Plenty locals, it’s a timely opportunity to enjoy the outdoors – just don’t forget the extra layers for those brisk mornings.