Bay of Plenty residents can expect a mixed start to spring with showers, gusty westerlies and fluctuating temperatures.

While heavy snow and strong wind warnings are affecting other parts of the country, the Bay of Plenty is likely to escape the worst of the wintry blast as meteorological spring begins on Tuesday.

MetService meteorologist Ethan Walton-Jones said the South Island would bear the brunt of the cold weather, with snow expected down to near sea level in parts of Otago and Clutha on Monday night.

“The South Island is kicking off the week with a distinctly wintry feel. Snow is expected to drop close to sea level across parts of the south on Monday night,” Walton-Jones said in a media release.

For the North Island, including the Bay of Plenty, conditions are expected to be more settled overall, although westerly winds will bring periods of showers through the week, particularly on Monday and Thursday.

Temperatures are forecast to trend upwards from midweek as winds shift to the northwest, bringing a taste of spring warmth.

The change will see daytime highs rise across much of the country, with temperatures climbing above 20 degrees in some eastern North Island regions from Wednesday.

While the Bay of Plenty is not included in any current weather warnings, strong wind alerts remain in place elsewhere, with a strong wind warning issued for Hawke’s Bay south of Hastings and the Tararua District until Monday evening, and a strong wind watch for Tasman.

Walton-Jones said spring weather can be highly changeable and urged travellers to stay up to date with forecasts and road conditions.

“Keep an eye on the snow level in your local forecast if you’re planning to drive, especially in Dunedin and Clutha Monday evening, and keep up with any updates on road conditions from NZTA Waka Kotahi and local council or emergency management.”

Several South Island alpine routes and the Desert Rd in the central North Island are covered by Road Snowfall Warnings.

Despite the wintry start, Bay of Plenty residents can look forward to milder conditions later in the week as spring begins to make its presence felt.