Cold front expected to cross NZ quickly

The last cold front before Christmas is expected to move quickly across New Zealand during Friday according to MetService weather ambassador, Bob McDavitt.

MetService has issued a severe weather warning and a severe weather watch for Friday, bringing rain to the West Coast and northwest gales in the east from Otago to Hawke's Bay, including Wellington.

"This front is likely to bring a brief return to stormy conditions over southern and central New Zealand", Mr McDavitt said.

"The good news is that, for Christmas Day, we expect most places to have fine weather. The west and far south of the South Island might see more cloudy than clear skies, though, with westerlies and the odd shower.

"Overall, there's a perfectly timed day or two of settled conditions."

Mr McDavitt said another front was forecast to bring more heavy rain and strong winds from late Sunday through Monday and into Tuesday.

"Travellers are reminded to check the forecast before setting out. Weather updates are always available on the website metservice.com, and, for mobiles, on m.metservice.com."

- NZHERALD STAFF