Bay of Plenty residents are being encouraged to prepare for some strong winds on Wednesday.

The MetService has issued a strong wind watch for the region, west of Papamoa.

It says west to southwesterly winds may approach severe gales at times.

On Wednesday, a low is expected to move eastwards across the North Island, bringing strong west to southwest winds to upper parts of the North Island for a time.

'A strong wind watch is now in force for areas between Auckland to Waitomo and western Bay of Plenty.

'People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case any Watches are upgraded to Warnings, or further areas are added.”

There is also a heavy snow watch in place for Taihape, which could see temperatures drop in the BOP.

HEAVY SNOW WATCH

Area: Taihape

Valid: 8 hours from 2pm to 10pm Wednesday

Forecast: Snow is expected to lower to 700 metres, with a brief period of heavy snow possible above 800 metres during this time. Snow amounts may approach warning criteria above 800 metres.

STRONG WIND WATCH

Area: Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo, and Bay of Plenty west of Papamoa

Valid: 9 hours from 9am to 6pm Wednesday

Forecast: West to southwesterly winds may approach severe gale at times.