A gentle westerly flow is set to cover the country on Tuesday, bringing cloud and a few showers to western places, while fine weather prevails in the east.

'Warm afternoon temperatures are expected in the east of both islands on Tuesday,” confirms MetService meteorologist Peter Little, 'and some places could reach the high 20s.”

The weather in the Bay of Plenty is set to stay fine over the next few days. Photo: File.

Westerly breezes are expected to continue, with fine weather over the next few days until Thursday, when the breeze shifts south-east and strengthens, bringing late afternoon rain and lower temperatures.

It is forecast to rain overnight on Thursday in the Bay of Plenty, with some heavy falls until morning, when the system heads out to sea.

The southerly change bringing Thursday's rain will bring showers to most places, and possible snow which may affect South Island trans-alpine passes and the Desert Road.

Friday is expected to be clear and cool.