Bay of Plenty residents are being urged to keep an eye on weather forecasts as a low-pressure system is expected to bring rain, strong winds and colder conditions across much of New Zealand from the weekend.
After several days of frosty mornings and clear skies, MetService said a significant weather change is on the way, with a front moving across the country from Friday and reaching the North Island late on Saturday.
While the first severe weather warnings have been issued for Fiordland, forecasters say more watches and warnings are likely in the coming days as the system tracks north.
Rain is expected to spread across much of the country on Sunday and Monday as a low-pressure system develops alongside the front. The weather pattern is also expected to usher in colder air, with snow forecast for lower levels in parts of the South Island.
MetService meteorologist Braydon White said the arrival of snow during the school holidays could be welcome news for families travelling south.
“Snow on the passes coinciding with the start of the school holidays means there is a great opportunity to take the kids up the road for a wonderful snow day,” White said.
“However, keep an eye out for any Road Snowfall Warnings which may be issued from Sunday onwards.”
The low-pressure system is expected to become slow-moving early next week, bringing the potential for prolonged rain and strong southeasterly winds to parts of central New Zealand.