After such a big and dramatic year it’s kinda nice that Dec 31 is going out quietly weatherwise across New Zealand.

We have no dramatic or severe weather across the nation, although it’s not perfectly dry.

We don’t have a big high nor do we have a big low. It’s just a relaxed sorta way of ending what has been, no doubt, a year many of us would like to put behind us.

RAIN:
A few drizzle patches or light showers are possible in the eastern North Island (mainly coastal Hawke’s Bay/Gisborne area). These should clear by evening. Dry elsewhere.

In the South Island some patchy rain moves into the West Coast south of the glaciers later, chance of a shower further north.

Meanwhile, inland parts of Southland, Otago and South Canterbury may see downpours developing and even turning to rain overnight as low pressure develops. The lower half of the South Island looks cloudiest too.

TEMPERATURES:
North Island: Most of the island is around normal to above normal by day but again coastal Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne will be a few degrees below normal.

By night the entire North Island is hovering around normal to slightly below normal temperaturewise. Have a jumper or jacket handy incase you get cold.

South Island: Most regions, especially towards the south, are warmer than normal by a few to several degrees on Dec 31 but much of Canterbury, Nelson and Marlborough all lean normal with Banks Peninsula even a bit below normal.

By night temperatures are normal to slightly above normal across the South Island.

WIND:
With flat air pressure expect light winds and sea breezes in a number of places. Areas that stand out with a slightly windier set up will be the eastern North Island (like Mahia Peninsula to Gisborne), also through Cook Strait and around Otago Peninsula. No where has severe winds or overly strong winds forecast.

SEVERE WEATHER:
Minimal risk of severe weather in NZ next 48 hours although rain may become heavier in some parts of the southern half of the South Island overnight New Year’s Eve and into New Year’s Day. Places like Central Otago and South Canterbury may need special attention for rainfall with these dry areas exposed to some heavier downpours.