Cold snap brings snow to Western Bay (+ video)

A winter cold snap has resulted in snow falling in the Western Bay of Plenty.

The slushy, sleety snow has already fallen and thawed at Tauranga's TECT All Terrain Park this morning.

Ranger Jarron McInnes said the snow had now cleared.

"It was snowing for a bit here and there. It was quite heavy but it wasn't settling on the ground," he said.

"The ground temperature was still quite warm. It's cleared up now."

The snow fell between 9am and 10am.

"The last two years we haven't had snow but we have had it before. It's the same thing, just won't settle on the ground."

Mr McInnes said he wasn't surprised to see the snow this morning.

"The temperature has been really cold plus the wind chill factor. I was kind of expecting it to [snow]."

Temperatures are expected to plummet this afternoon.

The Metservices forecast a maximum temperature of 13C with the temperature expected to start dropping to 2C from about 3pm.

Morning showers and possible hail are expected to clear to fine spells in the afternoon.

Snow falling in the TECT All Terrain Park. Photo/supplied

Tomorrow is expected to be even cooler, with a maximum temperature of 10C and another low of 2C. Severe weather warnings and watches have been issued throughout New Zealand, including the eastern Bay of Plenty which is expected to bear the brunt of heavy rain.

Snow falling in the TECT All Terrain Park. Photo/supplied