A very narrow line of downpours – surrounded by light drizzly patches – continues to lay stalled over northern NZ. It’s incredibly hit and miss, with most areas fairly dry, but as we go through the afternoon the front will intensify a little.

Farmers, growers and those who rely on rain water are sending many messages to WeatherWatch.co.nz on social media talking about downpours that brought an “early Christmas present” overnight or this morning to those facing a very dry El Nino summer ahead.

While the drizzle won’t be doing too much to help the big dry, the isolated heavy downpours this afternoon may bring more smiles – at least to those who need rain.

For the most part Auckland city is dry today, ensuring roads continue to flow and driving isn’t too much of a headache (beyond the usual Christmas Eve drama!).  Downpours this afternoon may cause slower conditions on roads in Northland and Auckland.

So will it clear for Christmas Day?. As we’ve said all week Bay of Plenty and Gisborne run the highest risk of a remaining showers on Christmas Day. Cloudy conditions may remain in some coastal areas with sunniest weather inland – and especially in the South Island.    Tauranga, Mt Maunganui, Whakatane, Rotorua and Gisborne see the highest chance of morning showers or an isolated afternoon downpour as far as main centres are concerned.  The rest of New Zealand should be dry, but a few afternoon showers may also pop up around the Nelson ranges.  The showers across New Zealand are very hit and miss – and the tricky part of forecasting their precise movements comes down to the local wind flow and hills/ranges. 

Generally speaking a high is rolling in – and by Boxing Day will cover most of the country.

Keep an eye on the rain maps or rain radars for more info – and if you’re a farmer/grower or someone who needs rain – good luck!

– Image / 10am Xmas Eve rain map, via Weathermap.co.nz shows just how narrow but intense some of the downpours are.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz