Christmas Day - wet in the north, but dry in the south

MetService News Release
20 December 2018

In the days leading up to and including Christmas Day, MetService meteorologists are keeping a close eye on weather developments so we can deliver forecasts for Aotearoa over the festive period.

“While most will see some sunshine over the next few days, we do have an unsettled spell with showers in many forecasts,” commented MetService meteorologist Andy Best. “Saturday, looks wetter as a low approaches the North Island, and a front moves up the South Island bringing rain to many places, possibly heavy and thundery in the north and east,” he continued.

The good news is the rain will clear from most places heading into Sunday, leaving mostly fine weather to finish the weekend and on Christmas Eve. However, isolated showers are expected in Auckland, with showers for Northland, turning to rain later on Christmas Eve.

“Christmas Day sees a broad rainband moving onto the upper North Island, bringing periods of rain north of about Taupo, with heavier rain, possibly thundery. Strong winds are also forecast to spread from Northland down to Bay of Plenty including Auckland,” Best adds, “Strong northeast winds are also forecast in these areas on Christmas Day.”

Christmas Day remains settled over the South Island, with warm fine weather across most of the island, however rain gradually spreads across the North Island during the day.

With the potential for Severe Weather Watches and Warnings as we head towards Christmas, we advise people to monitor our website MetService.com or the MetService free App.

MetService will issue a more comprehensive Christmas and Boxing Day forecast on Sunday December 23, with an update on what to expect for New Year’s Eve on Thursday December 27.

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