Weekend weather is set to rain on Christmas events

The forecast is not looking promising for tomorrow night's Coca Cola Christmas in the Park. Photo / Chris Loufte

The forecast is looking grim for outdoor Christmas events across New Zealand this weekend.

MetService says an active front is poised to move on to both islands tomorrow, bringing rain to most of the country. It comes at a bad time for popular Christmas celebrations.

Two of the country's largest outdoor Christmas celebrations are to take place this weekend in Auckland and Wellington.

MetService forecaster Cameron Coutts said rain was due to set in over the North Island tomorrow afternoon meaning a damp start for Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park at the Auckland Domain as the front passed over the city in the evening.

"Hopefully the front arrives earlier, then conditions will improve considerably by the end of the show."

Further south, it was also looking like rain on the first day of Very Welly Christmas in the capital.

"Sunday is looking the better day weather-wise, with just the chance of an odd shower and a brief southerly," said Coutts.

MetService said the weather should improve in most places on Sunday, especially in the north and east of the country. A few showers will pepper the west and south.

It was expected to be windy, especially about Foveaux Strait and central regions.

If bad weather cancels Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park tomorrow it would be postponed until Sunday.

Saturday

Auckland Rain 23C

Wellington Rain Gales 19C

Christchurch Rain 25C

Dunedin Showers, some heavy 23C