Five more sleeps until Christmas and the weather forecast is becoming crucial. Will we contract cabin fever (or Covid-19) stuck indoors over Christmas? Or will Central be bathed in sunshine?

MetService meteorologist Daniel Corrigan said the good news is we’re not expecting any more stormy weather over the next few days as a weak ridge of high pressure moves over the lower South Island. 

“What this means for people in Central Otago is that the weather will be mostly cloudy, with daytime showers in some places. 

“Southeasterly winds will mean that daytime maximum temperatures will be a touch on the cool side for mid-late December (17 to 20°C), while overnight temperatures will be fairly typical (8 to 10°C).”

The Metservice outlook for this week

Gardeners in Central will be happy to know weather stations recorded hourly rainfall numbers (5-10mm per hour) during the recent thunderstorm and rain. 

Weather stations in the north of Southland (near Mossburn and Lumsden) recorded more than 30mm of rain during a downpour between 7-8pm on Saturday (December 17).

The Central App will bring you a forecast prior to Christmas day, but it might be a good idea to dust off the board games and puzzles, just in case.

Let us know how you plan to celebrate with your whānau rain or shine, email: [email protected]