A blast of cooler air and strong southwesterly winds is set to sweep across the Bay of Plenty, marking a sharp turn towards winter before calmer, settled weather arrives later in the week.

A cold front pushing north on Monday is expected to drop temperatures across much of the country, including the eastern North Island, with the Bay of Plenty likely to feel the change through gusty winds and a noticeable chill, MetService said in a media release today.

Behind the front, high pressure is forecast to build, bringing clearer skies, cold nights and frosty mornings from midweek – a pattern typical of early winter conditions.

While the worst of the weather is focused further south, hazardous marine conditions are expected to affect the eastern seaboard, stretching up towards Gisborne.

This could have implications for coastal areas near the eastern Bay, with large, long-period southerly swells capable of surging higher than usual on to beaches, MetService said.

These swells carry more energy and can create dangerous conditions along the coastline, with warnings in place through to midweek. Coastal users are being urged to take care and follow guidance from local authorities, the weather organisation said.

Strong southwest winds are also expected to accompany the front, adding to the wintry feel across exposed parts of the region, even if severe conditions remain centred in southern and lower North Island districts.

From Tuesday, conditions in the Bay of Plenty are expected to settle, with sunshine returning but temperatures remaining cool. Clear nights will likely see temperatures drop sharply, particularly inland, with the potential for patchy frost in sheltered spots.

MetService meteorologist Devlin Lynden said while the cold snap would be noticeable, the settled spell that follows should provide more favourable conditions for outdoor activity.

“Visitors may want to pack an extra layer, as clear nights will bring chilly mornings and some frosty starts, especially in sheltered areas,” Lynden said.

The settled weather is expected to continue through much of the North Island later in the week, offering a fine but cold outlook for events and travel, even as another front approaches the lower South Island.

For Bay of Plenty residents, the message is simple: expect a cold start to winter, followed by crisp, clear days and frosty mornings as the region moves into a more settled pattern.