Temperatures are expected to be a bit cooler in the region as southwesterlies bring a noticeable cold snap to northern regions.

The MetService has issued a snowfall warning for the Desert Road, as well as the rest of snow-prone areas in New Zealand.

"Showers are expected to turn to snow about the summit of the road for a time this morning, then again for a time mid afternoon.

"Between 9am and 11am, 1-2cm may accumulate about the summit, with another 1-2cm possible between 1pm and 4pm."

In Tauranga today, the forecast is for cloudy periods and a few showers, clearing afternoon. Northwesterlies changing stronger southwesterly in the afternoon.

In Rotorua, people can expect cloudy periods and a few showers, clearing afternoon.

"Winds tending gusty southwest in the afternoon."

Snowfall warnings

Desert Road (SH1)
Showers are expected to turn to snow about the summit of the road for a time this morning, then again for a time mid afternoon. Between 9am and 11am, 1-2cm may accumulate about the summit, with another 1-2cm possible between 1pm and 4pm.

Lewis Pass (SH7)
A period of snow this morning. Between 6am and noon , 2 to 3cm of snow could settle to about 800 metres.

Porters Pass (SH73)
A period of snow early this morning. Between 3am and 8am, 1 to 2cm of snow could settle near the summit.

Crown Range Road
A few snow showers are possible overnight tonight, when to 2cm of snow may settle to around 600 metres. Another 1 to 2cm could settle above 800 metres Wednesday afternoon.

Milford Road (SH94)
Further snow showers are likely from Wednesday afternoon or evening, possibly affecting the road through Thursday morning. Snowfall amounts are still uncertain,but 15 to 20cm could settle during this time.

An update for Road Snowfall Warnings will be issued by Noon Wednesday 22 Jul 2020

There are no Road Snowfall Warnings in force for Napier-Taupo Road (SH5), Remutaka Hill Road (SH2), Arthur's Pass (SH73), Haast Pass (SH6), Lindis Pass (SH8), Dunedin to Waitati Highway (SH1)