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• Severe weather warning for Bay of Plenty
Looking ahead, Mr Coutts said next week would be colder than average before temperatures "pop up into above average for the next two or three weeks".
He said locals could also expect the weather to be a little wetter than usual over the next month, but nothing extreme.
"The good news to come out of this is the cooler temperatures could also bring snow which will be good for the mountains and getting those ski fields open."
Snow showers are also forecast for the Desert Rd overnight Friday as a new weather system from the Southern Ocean approaches, according to WeatherWatch.co.nz.
Rotorua forecast:
Today: Periods of rain, chance heavy, clearing evening. Strong northerlies. High 16C, low 13C
Tomorrow: Occasional showers. Strong westerlies. High 16C, low 9C
Friday: Cloudy periods, chance shower. Strong westerlies. High 13C, low 8C
Saturday: A few showers, clearing overnight. Southwesterlies. High 13C, low 1C
Sunday: Fine. Southwesterlies dying out. High 12C, low 1C