For Aucklanders – and others in the northern half of the North Island – the humidity has been almost unbearable for some over the past two weeks, but by Friday night it’s expected to ease.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says that a cold front will pass over the upper North Island during Friday and behind it will be cooler, less humid, sou’westers.

Head weather analyst Philip Duncan says while it won’t be cold, some may find the change a little cool.  “It’s a bit like being outside in the heat and then walking into an air conditioned shop.  It’s not cold indoors but certainly cooler and less sticky than outside in the humidity”.

Mr Duncan says highs will drop several degrees in Auckland and Hamilton on Christmas Day from where they’ve been over the past few days with humidity falling as well.

“The wind will be more refreshing and the nights will certainly be less muggy starting later on Friday and lasting until Boxing Day”.

Bay of Plenty is likely to still have hot days but humidity will still fall for Christmas Day.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz
– Homepage image / Zelda Wynn