Windy and wet for parts of South Is on Xmas Day

The weather's not looking that flash for the South Island on Christmas Day. Heavy rain's forecast for the West Coast and inland Canterbury, while showers with thunder and possibly hail could hit parts of Otago and Southland.

MetService said a front was moving northwards over the South Island into early Christmas morning, but would then become slow moving around the northern parts of the island.

Make the most of the sun this morning Dunedin, as the forecast is for the day to turn cloudy, with showers in the afternoon which may be thundery with hail and a high of 19°C.

In holiday hotspots Queenstown, Wānaka and Alexandra it'll be mostly cloudy with occasional rain, and highs of 15°C, 16°C and 19°C, respectively.

Oamaru and Invercargill were also expected to get showers and possibly thundery hail in the afternoon and highs of 21°C and 17°C.

Merry Christmas all!

Late last night Melanie Riddle captured this shot of something… 👀 or someone dashing through the sky near Greymouth 🎅

Whatever your weather, let us know how your Christmas Day is going!

pic.twitter.com/xDZQ6BkQLh

— MetService NZ (@MetService)

December 24, 2025

Meanwhile, orange heavy rain warnings are in place for the ranges in Buller, Westland and Grey districts (from Arthur's Pass northwards) and the Canterbury Headwaters (also from Arthur's Pass northwards) from early this morning, with thunderstorms possible.

Heavy rain watches have been issued for the Tasman District, the ranges of the Westland District (from Mount Cook to Arthur's Pass), and the Canterbury Headwaters (also from Mount Cook to Arthur's Pass).

There is a moderate chance these watches will be upgraded to warnings.

- Allied Media and RNZ