KEY POINTS:
A depression over New Zealand has weather forecasters uncomfortable about making firm predictions for Christmas Day skies.
MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said a more certain forecast would be available tomorrow.
"It depends on that depression but it should be clearing," Mr McDavitt said.
"Generally it should be clear," he said.
Mr McDavitt could be certain about what is in store for the Chatham Islands on the 25th - it will be wet.
In the lead-up to Christmas, rain is forecast to spread across the North Island.
Mr McDavitt said tomorrow and Wednesday would be wet with heavy falls possible for the eastern Northland areas and the hills and ranges of Coromandel, eastern Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and the Hawke's Bay.
"This rain will be welcomed by some farmers. The coast between Napier and Gisborne is now the driest part of New Zealand, with Gisborne airport reporting only 14 millimetres so far this month and Napier airport 16mm," he said.
- NZHERALD STAFF
