Bay of Plenty residents are being urged to rug up as a strong southerly change is set to sweep across New Zealand this weekend, bringing colder temperatures, gusty winds and a sharp wind chill.

MetService says a front crossing the country on Thursday and Friday will be followed by a powerful southerly outbreak that begins in the South Island before pushing north through Saturday.

While the worst of the wintry conditions are expected in the South Island, where snow is forecast to lower to 200m and disrupt transport routes, Bay of Plenty can still expect a noticeable drop in temperatures as the cold air mass spreads across the North Island.

MetService meteorologist Braydon White said subantarctic air would be dragged north behind the front, producing bitterly cold conditions across much of the country.

“The combination of strong gusty winds and very cold air will result in significant wind chill,” White said.

The southerly change is expected to reach the upper North Island by late Saturday, bringing colder daytime temperatures and an increased risk of showers.

The colder weather comes after a relatively mild spell for much of the North Island, with the weekend set to feel markedly different for those heading outdoors.

Bay of Plenty residents travelling south or through alpine areas this weekend are being advised to keep a close eye on road and weather conditions. Snowfall in Southland and Otago is expected to affect higher roads, while strong winds are forecast for parts of Canterbury, Wellington and coastal areas of Otago and Southland.

The cold snap is expected to linger into Sunday, with clearer skies overnight likely to bring widespread frosts across many parts of the country.

Looking ahead to the start of next week, MetService says another cold front is approaching New Zealand and could bring further showers to western and southern regions.

Forecasters are encouraging people to stay up to date with the latest watches, warnings and forecasts through the MetService website.