2020 is ending on a calm note weatherwise but 2021 looks to kick off with wet weather cross the country.

It’s good news and bad with some very dry parts of the South Island getting a much needed drink from the sky. Areas like Central Otago and South Canterbury – which are historically dry regions having a very dry 2020 – will get some downpours as low pressure develops next few days. Some heavy falls are possible here inland where it’s needed the most. Those camping near streams and small rivers in Southland, Otago and south Canterbury should be aware of this forecast.

However further north, in Auckland where rain is desperately needed still, the region appears to be still in a ‘dry bubble’. Extra high pressure – more than usual – has been dominating our largest city for two years now and so far December’s rainfall figures have been below normal despite a few wet days. Only a few showers are currently forecast for the water storage areas.

On Thursday, Dec 31, we’ll have our forecast for January. We hope to see more rain from Australia and the sub-tropics coming in to our driest regions. For those on the holiday, especially in the North Island, there are likely few complaints!

To make more sense of rainfall where you are see our HOURLY and DAILY totals in your LOCAL forecast at WeatherWatch.co.nz or RuralWeather.co.nz.

WeatherWatch.co.nz is very proud to be “New Zealand’s most accurate rain forecaster“ – powered by IBM Watson (*As recently independently reviewed and confirmed by a New Zealand Government public agency).