Santa can expect some mild temperatures while delivering presents across Central Otago on Sunday night.

By Christmas morning temperatures will start to creep up from about 13 degrees Celsius, to a predicted maximum of 28C.

MetService meteorologist John Law said, overall, Central Otago was looking like a good place to be on Christmas Day.

“While there will be the odd shower during the day, much of the time will be dry before cloud and showers move into the south of the region later in the day.”

He said while the weather looks generally more unsettled for the week between Christmas and New Year, “much of the wet weather will be skirting” Central.

While Central looks set to be a good place to be, so does the east of the South Island, Hawkes Bay and Nelson, with each of those regions expected to see some of the best of the festive weather.

The hottest spots are likely to be on the east coast of the North Island, John said.

He encourages people to stay hydrated and to avoid the hottest part of the day, while also keeping an eye on friends and family, “not forgetting the furriest of the family as well”.

metservice prediction next seven days in Central Otago

For more information about heat alerts and how to stay cool and calm when the temperature rises, visit the Weather in the report section of The Central App.