Bay of Plenty residents can expect a mix of cloud, sunny breaks and scattered showers this week as a familiar spring weather pattern settles across New Zealand.

In its latest weather update, MetService said northwestern parts of the North Island, including parts of Bay of Plenty, are likely to see some welcome rain after a particularly dry October.

The forecast comes after Whakatāne experienced its driest October on record, highlighting how dry conditions have become across parts of Eastern Bay.

While heavy rain is expected to remain focused on the South Island’s West Coast, where Milford Sound recorded 73mm of rain in just 12 hours, Bay of Plenty residents can expect a more changeable week with cloudy periods, occasional showers and intermittent fine weather.

MetService meteorologist Sophie Huntington said much of the North Island would see “cloudy periods and scattered showers” through the week, although there would still be plenty of fine spells between the showers.

The unsettled weather is being driven by a slow-moving front crossing the country and a second area of low pressure expected to move in from the Tasman Sea later on Tuesday.

Temperatures across the Bay are expected to remain relatively mild, with warm and humid northwesterly winds developing later in the week.

Elsewhere, eastern parts of the country are forecast to enjoy summer-like temperatures, with Christchurch and Ashburton expected to reach 26C on Thursday.

With Guy Fawkes celebrations planned for Thursday evening, Huntington is urging people to check weather and fire conditions before lighting fireworks.

“Warm temperatures and gusty winds in some regions mean it’s a good idea to check local fire conditions before lighting anything,” she said.