The Desert Road remains closed today as much of the country plunges back into winter.

Fierce weather is heading north bringing rain, snow and strong winds.

Snow on the Desert Road and southerly winds are causing some cooler temperatures in the Bay. File photo.

Snow has even fallen in parts of Wellington today, reports Stuff.

Thousands of homes are without power in Wellington and Canterbury.

Closer to home, the NZTA is advising people to use an alternative route as the Desert Road, between Turangi and Waiouru, remains closed.

According to the MetService, snow is expected to continue today.

'By tonight 20 to 30cm of snow is likely to accumulate, especially about and south of the summit, before easing early Friday morning,” says a statement from the weather organisation.

9.45AM UPDATE: #SH1 Desert Road remains CLOSED. Detour route available here: https://t.co/Syh9VPrA2v. ^MF

— NZTA Central Nth Is (@NZTACNI) September 7, 2016

Speaking to SunLive yesterday, MetService meteorologist Peter Little says the Bay of Plenty is expected to remain relatively sheltered from the severe weather hitting the rest of the country.

The odd shower is forecast for today, with the potential for heavy rain and hail this afternoon.

Image: MetService.

'But it's essentially going to be fairly fine, clear weather. People will notice a bit more of a chill in the air with that southerly,” says Peter.

'The temperatures will be colder than you have experienced before, like tomorrow and Friday you are only going for about 14 degrees.”

'It looks like it warms up in the weekend. It looks like the winds are dying away at the weekend.”