Latest forecast points to unsettled Christmas

Santa should have clear skies and fine flying weather as he makes his way around the country on Christmas Eve the MetService says.

A period of fine weather with light winds is forecast for travellers setting off around the country on Christmas Eve, but there are still a few more days to go with showery southwest or southerly winds before then, MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said.

"For Christmas Day, everyone gets a mix of fine and cloudy conditions, and those in western and central areas also share in some wet stuff."

On Christmas Day a front is forecast to bring a brief period of rain to the west of the South Island during the morning and to central areas during the afternoon, and is expected to weaken to showers by the time it gets north of Taranaki later in the day.

"There is enough variety in the weather this summer so that holiday-makers may need to check the forecast daily," Mr McDavitt said.

MetService meteorologists are forecasting another front just after Boxing Day and then more settled weather for a few days. Unsettled weather could also return for the New Year weekend.

- NZPA