Bay of Plenty residents are set to enjoy a warm and mostly settled Labour weekend.

Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid to high 20s as much of the country experiences conditions more typical of summer than spring, MetService said in its latest weather update.

The weather organisation said a ridge of high pressure will keep weather largely settled across the North Island through to Labour Day, bringing warm, dry northwesterly winds and plenty of sunshine.

While Bay of Plenty is not expected to see the hottest temperatures in the country, temperatures will remain above average through the long weekend, making for ideal conditions for beachgoers, campers and holidaymakers heading outdoors.

Meteorologist Dom Barry said warm, dry northwesterly winds crossing the ranges of both islands were helping drive the unseasonably warm conditions.

“We have warm, dry northwesterly winds coming over the ranges of the North Island and the Southern Alps. This allows for hot and sunny days – so slip, slop, slap and wrap.”

Some cloud and isolated showers could develop in western and inland parts of the North Island over the weekend, but Bay of Plenty is expected to remain largely fine.

The weather story changes dramatically further south on Labour Day, however.

A cold front is forecast to sweep up the South Island on Monday, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to southern and western areas. MetService warns heavy rain and strong wind watches and warnings may be issued closer to the event.

Barry urged anyone travelling around the South Island during the holiday period to keep up to date with forecasts.

“This front is a bit of a spring doozy.”

For Bay of Plenty residents staying local, the message is far more positive: make the most of the sunshine while it lasts, with warm temperatures and settled conditions expected to dominate most of the long weekend.