Rain gauge readings are starting to circulate, proving who got what for Christmas in Central.

Heavy rain fell throughout Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and official recordings provided to The Central App by MetService suggest Wedderburn was the wettest part of Central Otago over Christmas, with 30mm reported.

However, Stu Duncan, who farms at Wedderburn, only recorded 20mm, while other farmers recorded 65mm in Patearoa and 30mm in Danseys Pass.

He said overall, the rain would be enough to assist crop growth and also reduce the risk of fires.

“It was a good Christmas present, put it that way.”

He said a follow up rain - even just a shower - would be enough to help keep crop growth healthy.

Central Otago’s tendency for thunderstorms means there is potential for some more light relief.

MetService meteorologist John Law said more unsettled weather was possible in the lead up the New Year.

“However, high pressure looks set to rebuild for the start of the New Year.”

A total fire ban remains in place for Central Otago despite the recent heavy rain events and it was important people did not become complacent, a Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said.

He said Central Otago remains under a prohibited fire season, which meant there was a total fire ban on open-air fires, and all previously granted fire permits were still suspended.

Fireworks are also still banned in Central, as well as in Naseby, Upper Waitaki, Lake Ōhau, Lakes and Glendhu Bluffs zones under Section 52 of the Fire and Emergency Act, until further notice.