These were not “super likely” to affect the Bay of Plenty or Rotorua at this point.
“I’m not going to say go all out with your sort of outdoors plans at this point, but I think there’s a good chance that people will be enjoying outside weather on Christmas Day.”
New Zealand was running into a “streak” of cooler weather.
“But it does look like the current forecast looks to rebound as we make our way through next week.”
Outside weather is on the cards for the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua this Christmas. Photo / Sylvie Whinray
“If it is sunny, then that’s probably going to feel too hot for some places,” Ferris said.
Tauranga recorded a new December record high (since 1941) of 31.2C on December 7, according to MetService, with Rotorua hitting 28C, its fourth-hottest December day since 1972.
Earth Science NZ’s seasonal climate outlook said temperatures were likely to be above average across the Bay of Plenty until February.
Heading into Boxing Day, Ferris said there were two opposite scenarios for the Bay and Rotorua.
“The wet weather is still most likely in the south and west, and the particular system that will be driving that will determine what Boxing Day looks like.”
If the wet weather moved up the country, it was likely to be “greyer, wetter” on Boxing Day.
“Or if it does just skim along the south of the country, then it could be another nice day, and could be a better day on Boxing Day.
“That’s giving the two opposite scenarios.”
Eastern areas of both the North and South Islands looked to be the best places in terms of having warm, sunnier days.
“At this point, we’re kind of looking at the most likely weather scenarios.”
Kaitlyn Morrell is a journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has lived in the region for several years and studied journalism at Massey University.
