MetService meteorologist Dan Corrigan said it was still too early to forecast the weather for Christmas and Boxing Day with any certainty, but at this stage the weather would be largely showery over the southern regions in the build-up to Christmas, and the big day was looking to be hot and mainly dry — particularly in the holiday spots.
"As we get closer and closer to Christmas, our confidence in the forecast is going to increase, and we’ll be able to hone in on the details a bit better.
"But what we know at the moment is that the weather over New Zealand is going to be largely driven by a high pressure system over Christmas, so we’re not looking at any rain-making weather systems.
"That’s good news for a lot of people who want to spend the day outside.
"But there is a chance that in some places we might see a shower or two and a bit of cloud, but we’re not looking at anything drastic or day-ruining.
"The showers will likely be fairly short-lived and will be in inland places and over the hill country."
At this stage, the best weather will be in Alexandra and Wanaka on Boxing Day when the mercury will top 26 degC and 27 degC, respectively.
Invercargill and Dunedin will also be relatively warm with temperatures in the low 20s.
Mr Corrigan said it was still too far off to forecast the weather for the week following Christmas.
"Tune in later this week when we will have a better idea."
