Motorists travelling on the Desert Rd are being urged to take extra care today, with snow forecast to affect the busy central North Island route from this afternoon.

MetService has issued a Road Snowfall Warning for State Highway 1 over the Desert Rd, valid from 9am today until 3am tomorrow.

Occasional snow showers are expected to lower to around 800m this afternoon, then drop further to 700m this evening.

In its latest weather update, MetService said between 1cm and 3cm of snow could accumulate above 800m at and south of the summit, with most of the snowfall expected after 4pm. Smaller accumulations are possible at lower elevations.

The warning covers 18 hours and could lead to hazardous driving conditions, particularly later in the day and overnight.

MetService said drivers are advised to check road and weather conditions before travelling and be prepared for possible delays or restrictions if snow accumulates on the highway.