Tasmania is preparing for a period of unsettled weather, with widespread showers, strong winds and snow expected across parts of the state over the next two days.

A low-pressure system moving south from Victoria is forecast to spread across Tasmania on Tuesday before shifting east on Wednesday. The system is expected to bring rain and showers to much of the state, with conditions becoming wetter through the afternoon and evening.

The Bureau of Meteorology says showers developing in the north and east will spread towards western and southern Tasmania later in the day.

Cold air associated with the system is also expected to produce snow at higher elevations. Snow is forecast above 1,300 metres on the Central Plateau, while falls could reach elevations as low as 1,100 metres on Wednesday.

Strong winds are also expected to affect coastal areas. A strong wind warning is in place for Wednesday for several coastal waters, including Frederick Henry Bay, Norfolk Bay, Storm Bay and the Channel.

Conditions should gradually improve on Wednesday afternoon, with showers becoming confined mainly to western and far southern areas before easing further during the evening.

However, Tasmania’s unsettled weather is expected to continue. Another cold front is forecast to approach the state’s south-west late Thursday before crossing Tasmania on Friday, bringing another burst of showers.

The combination of rain, strong winds and snow could create difficult conditions for motorists, particularly in exposed coastal areas and at higher elevations.

Residents are being encouraged to monitor updated weather forecasts and warnings, especially if travelling or heading outdoors.

Tasmania can expect a distinctly wintry few days, with further changes likely as another cold front approaches later in the week.