Anyone across Hawke's Bay who discovers Santa has brought them a brand new set of barbecue utensils on Christmas Day may be left smiling for two good reasons.
One is that they are always a practical summer cooking supplement, and secondly, the long-range meteorological forecast for the region is looking like pretty good barbie weather.
Because Santa is bringing a big high pressure system this way as well which will create a southwest flow, and while Weatherwatch forecaster Philip Duncan said that was likely to mean chances of rain in some areas it also meant sunshine (with a few clouds thrown in here and there) for others.
He said the coastal areas of both islands could get a few clouds come through but the "hot and sunny" ingredient was also in the mix.
"The mountains and ranges make all the difference this weekend and one slight change in the wind angle can make a big difference between whether or not it will be cloud free or cloudy."