Issued at 01:40pm 21-Dec-2006
Metservice Gives The All Clear To Santa
MetService meteorologists are forecasting a period of clearing weather over the weekend before Christmas.
"Some snow is falling on the mountains today and tonight," said MetService Weather Ambassador, Bob McDavitt. "This will
only briefly settle because Friday is the longest day of the year."
"This has been a wet southerly. Christchurch had 56mm of rain overnight and this morning, with almost half of this
falling between 3am and 5am. Take care on Friday for that's when the cold south to southwest winds are forecast to
strengthen on the Canterbury and Kaikoura coast as a low-pressure system travels north over Chatham Islands."
"Wind and showers are expected to relax on Saturday and clear away on Sunday, bringing good driving conditions to most
places. Cloud and drizzle are likely to return to Fiordland, Westland and Southland by Christmas Eve."
Christmas Day is expected to bring fine weather to northern and eastern areas, and cloudy conditions to western areas.
After Christmas dinner there may be some drizzle between Manawatu and Waikato and some rain or drizzle for the west of
the South Island.
"We at MetService wish everyone a safe Christmas. Remember the three wise ones and check the latest weather updates
before travelling."
ENDS