Bay of Plenty residents are being warned to brace themselves for a cold blast already hitting the South Island and expected to move north later today.

Snow is falling in inland parts of the South Island and a snowfall warning has been issued for the Desert Road in the North Island.

MetService media and communications meteorologist Dan Corbett.

MetService media and communication meteorologist Dan Corbett says motorists should watch for snow on the Desert Road in the next couple of nights.

'The most wintry conditions are likely to be over the south of the South Island, but cold southwesterlies are expected to move all over the country bringing snow down to 500m or lower in eastern areas from Gisborne to Canterbury.

'Wind chill will be a significant factor even in places where it doesn't snow.”

Daniel says the 'feels like” temperature will be well below the actual temperatures partly because the air will be cold for this time of the year.

'But also because winds are expected to be noticeable stronger over most of the country.”

For more on the weather situation in the country click here.