Damp day set to blight Christmas

The remnants of former tropical cyclone Evan could make it a sodden Christmas Day in much of the North Island, but South Islanders will be savouring lunch in the sun, say weather experts.

Although a deep low-pressure system that remains from Evan has made forecasts less predictable, Weatherwatch.co.nz and the MetService agree the deep south will have the best conditions.

MetService is predicting rain with warm northeasterlies in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, the Bay of Plenty and Taranaki across to Hawke's Bay.

Weatherwatch.co.nz, however, is forecasting rain and showers clearing from the morning in those areas, with humidity staying high.

Weatherwatch forecaster Phillip Duncan said tropical air from the remnants of Evan would make it seem warmer than the actual temperatures - around the mid-20s - across the North Island.

"The 'feels-like' temperature will be in the low to mid-30s in these regions, especially if the sun comes out for a bit as well," he said.

The capital looked set to have a mostly fine day, with highs in the mid-20s and morning showers clearing.

Both forecasters predicted the South Island was the place to be, the Mainland enjoying highs of 30C and above in central Otago and inland Canterbury, with clear skies and light winds.

MetService forecaster Brooke Lockhart said former tropical cyclone Evan was weakening as it approached New Zealand.