A series of cold fronts is expected to bring some rain to Bay of Plenty today.

The MetService is forecasting a few showers turning to rain late morning, possibly heavy, then becoming fine in the afternoon.

In its latest weather update, MetService said a high pressure system moves in after the rain, bringing colder temperatures and widespread frosts to end the weekend.

Today, conditions remain unsettled across the South Island, while rain is expected to develop in more areas of the North Island throughout the day.

As the fronts move across the country, snow may fall to 800 metres in the ranges of the North Island, and as low as 500m across the Canterbury high country and southern lakes, delivering a fresh layer of snow for the ski fields.

Some southern alpine passes have road snowfall warnings in force for today, but more may be required further into the weekend.

“Some relief is on the way Saturday, with clearer skies expected in western regions as another high-pressure system moves in,” said MetService meteorologist Kgolofelo Dube.

“However, this new system will also bring a significant drop in temperatures, with widespread frosts returning across much of the country.”

While settled weather was expected to round out the weekend for many, a few showers may linger in the eastern North Island, driven by cooler southerly winds.

Alongside these southerlies, strong to gale-force winds and rough seas are forecast to affect the eastern coastline.

MetService will continue monitoring the evolving situation and provide updates to warnings and watches as needed.

Keep up to date with the most current information from MetService at https://www.metservice.com/