Bay of Plenty residents can expect a chilly end to the working week, with showers and cooler temperatures lingering across the region.

In its latest weather update, MetService said more settled weather was expected to arrive for the weekend.

A cold front moving over the North Island on Thursday is bringing periods of rain and showers, with some heavier falls possible as it passes.

While the worst of the wet weather is expected to move away overnight, unsettled conditions are forecast to continue for eastern parts of the country, including the Bay of Plenty, through Friday and into the weekend.

The front has brought a noticeable drop in temperature.

MetService meteorologist Katie Lyons said spring cold snaps can catch people by surprise, particularly gardeners who have already planted summer crops.

“Best to check your forecast temperatures in case these little plants require some covering,” Lyons said.

As skies begin to clear, frosts are expected in some central North Island areas over the coming days.

The weather is expected to gradually improve from Friday as a ridge of high pressure moves in from the west, pushing away lingering rain and cloud.

“While the southerly winds do continue to bring some lingering rain, this ridge of high pressure moving in from the west slowly stomps the rain out – and this fine weather is setting up shop for a while,” Lyons said.

The improving conditions are expected to reach eastern parts of the North Island last, with Bay of Plenty’s weather likely to settle during the weekend.

While snow is falling in parts of the South Island and several road snowfall warnings are in place there, Bay of Plenty residents can instead look forward to clearer skies, cooler nights and a drier spell heading into next week.