Possible severe gales for Bay of Plenty

Metservice has warned of potential severe gales to rip through parts of the Bay of Plenty. Photo/file

A strong wind watch has been issued for parts of the Bay of Plenty as wintery conditions sweep up through New Zealand.

The Metservice this morning warned of potential gales as part of the strong wind watch for people in the Bay, north of Te Puke.

The watch is valid for six hours tonight, from 8pm to 2am Friday.

The Metservice warned westerly winds may rise to severe gales in exposed places during this time.