Thunderstorms, sunshine, showers and warm temperatures are all on the Christmas Day weather menu, according to NIWA’s forecasters.
The forecasting team has compiled outlooks for several different regions and holiday hotspots for Christmas Eve through Boxing Day, followed by an extended outlook through the end of 2022.
NIWA meteorologist Seth Carrier says that the period from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day will continue to feature the chance for scattered afternoon showers and even a few thunderstorms across much of New Zealand.
“While temperatures on Christmas Eve may be slightly cooler than average, by Boxing Day most areas of the country will be enjoying warm weather, but it won’t be nearly as hot as the record or near-record temperatures last Christmas,” he said.
Upper North Island (including Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Coromandel Peninsula):
Christmas Eve: Partly cloudy with a few afternoon showers and isolated thunderstorms possible. Maximum temperature in the low to mid 20s.
Christmas Day: Partly sunny with isolated afternoon showers and thunderstorms possible. Maximum temperature in the mid 20s.
Boxing Day: Chance for a few afternoon showers and perhaps an isolated thunderstorm. Becoming breezy in the afternoon. Maximum temperature in the low 20s near the coast and mid 20s inland.
Metservice has predicted torrential rain and "damaging" wind gusts. FILE PHOTO: PIXABAY
