New Year’s Eve in Central is forecast to be mainly fine with light winds and the temperature climbing to 21 degrees Celsius.

MetService meteorologist Alanna Burrows said the scattered showers of Monday should clear overnight.

“New Year's Eve and Super Smash Cricket at Molyneux Park, ​​​​conditions are forecast to improve with some sunny spells developing throughout the day and a small chance of a shower from the afternoon. 

“Winds are forecast to ease to a light breeze with temperatures returning back to average, Alexandra highs of 21 °C and lows of 10 °C.”

Get your deck chair ready for some sport, there’s a lot of fun to be had in Central today including the Clyde Open Water hosted by the Southland and Dunedin Triathlon and Multisport clubs. 

Eighty eight swimmers including some from Central have registered for the event which has a variety of different distance options (500m, 1000m, 1500m and 3000m). 

Check in is at 8am at Dunstan Arm Rowing Club on Fruitgrowers Road, Clyde and the racing starts at 8.15am. 

Spokesperson Hugh Tait said it was a fun and friendly event, and there would be a barbecue afterwards

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At 8am swimmers are looking at air temperatures of 10 degrees with a very light southerly breeze averaging 6 km per hour.

Many locals and visitors are expected to attend the Super Smash Cricket games at Alexandra’s Molyneux Park, the Otago Sparks play Central Hinds at 12.40pm and the Otago Volts play the Central Stags at 4.25pm. Gates open at 12.10pm. 

MetService forecast for Central for the first few days of 2025. PHOTO: Supplied 

Well known band LA Social is set up at The Finery, and tickets are still available. Check out this and more in the Central App What's On guide such as in Naseby, the The Great Naseby Duck Race (a fundraiser for the Naseby fire brigade), starts at 11am, and the event promises old-fashioned family fun. Spectators and entrants need to meet at the swimming dam carpark.

Looking ahead to New Year’s day, Alanna said the weather is becoming fine on New Year's morning, with lengthy sunshine and a light southerly breeze.

Alexandra’s high would be 22 and low of nine on January 1. The sun is back out for Central Otago Trots - want free tickets? Click here and remember your sunscreen.

Toxic algae warnings are in place and it was found at Aronui Dam on December 24. If you are planning a swim check ORC Water Info found under Weather & Reports in The Central App for rivers, lakes and beaches.

Read more: Red Frogs Top 10 Tips for New Years.

Read more: NZ’s best public event and festivals to celebrate the New Year.

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