The Bay of Plenty should expect to see some brighter and drier days this week.

Flurries of snow were seen at the top of the Desert Road on Sunday, bringing a colder start to the week.

MetService meteorologist John Law said a southerly wind had pushed up the country, bringing cold air up and across New Zealand.

Snow falling in the central North Island on Sunday. Photo / Supplied

“As the Desert Road climbs higher and higher up the Central Plateau, the temperature generally decreases, you will have noticed that the tops of the volcanoes stay snow covered longer than the bases,” Law said.

“The extra pulse of cold air allowed for the snow to fall a little further down to reach the road level.

Snow fell on Sunday, in the middle of summer. Photo / Supplied

“However, with the roads relatively warm and only a few flurries of snow, it didn’t stick around for too long,” he said.

Law said the Bay of Plenty should expect to see brighter and drier days due to the influx of southwesterly winds this week.

“While we have a few showers possible this afternoon and again on Wednesday afternoon, tomorrow looks to be a fine day in the region with plenty of sunshine.

“Although our daytime temperatures are likely to be around normal for the time of year, overnight temperatures are expected to be on the cool side, especially towards the end of the week,” he said.