Temperatures set to plunge with icy blast

Cold weather is coming to Hawke's Bay.

Get out your winter woollies - an icy blast is heading our way.

MetService meteorologist Frances Russell said 5 to 10cm of snow was expected at the top of the Napier-Taupo road this morning, with levels falling to 300m tomorrow.

Temperatures are set to plummet to near freezing with a high of just 10C forecast for the Bay today.

Rain is expected to turn to snow about 500 metres from the Central Plateau overnight, then snow should gradually lower to about 300m.

"The heaviest snow is expected overnight tonight and during Wednesday morning, when 20 to 30cm is expected above 600m in Hawkes Bay, the Tararua District and also Taihape," Ms Russell said.

Cold showery southerlies should then persist for the rest of the week, bringing periods of snow to about 300-400m in the east.

Ms Russell said that the cold southerlies are bringing the polar blast and causing the snowfall.

"There should be some strong southerly winds about the coast which will ease Friday."

People are advised that there could be disruption to transport, especially about higher roads and that vulnerable stock could be at risk, especially with significant wind chill.

Drivers should also take caution in the Manawatu Gorge, which was closed on Monday night after a truck's oil spill caused a crash.

It was reopened yesterday morning.

The weekend will be frosty with Saturday's overnight forecast at 0C for Napier and Hastings, but a clear sky is expected both days.

There are also occasional showers expected this weekend though things should start to clear by Sunday.