Metservice has issued a severe wind warning for the Bay of Plenty, saying southwesterly winds are likely to rise to severe gale force for a time from late afternoon today.

Gusts of 120km/h are possible in exposed places, especially just east of the Coromandel and Kaimai Ranges.

A gale warning is also issued for the offshore sea area plenty – from Great Mercury to Cape Runaway.

The forecast is for westerly winds of 40 knots (74km/h) with very rough seas and a northwest swell rising to 1 metre for a time. Poor visibility with showers, easing for a time this morning and afternoon is expected.

The Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management has updated its status from a watch to a warning.

Severe gale force winds are also forecast for Central Hawke's Bay and the Tararua District from late morning until late afternoon, before the weather front moves on to the Coromandel Peninsula and Western Bay of Plenty late afternoon and evening.

Wind gusts of 120km/h have the potential to damage trees, powerlines and insecure structures, also make driving hazardous especially for motorbikes and high sided vehicles.

Meanwhile the Tauranga page on the Metservice website is still forecasting winds about 30km/h for most of the day peaking about 50km/h about 6pm.

Victoria University of Wellington website Metvuw.com is forecasting winds of about 20knots or 37km/h about the western Bay of Plenty with higher wind speeds over the Coromandel and offshore.

A wintry blast will bring snow, rain, and wind to many parts of the country today.

The southwesterly gales are affecting much of the country today and are bringing colder temperatures, with howling wind and driving rain expected in Wellington.

Snow is expected in the lower South Island and the North Island high country. Owing to strong winds there could be snow blizzards in exposed areas.

Cautions are issued for the Desert Road and highways down south owing to snow.