Cross your fingers - it could be fine weather on Christmas Day

Weatherwatch says its models indicate a 60 per cent chance of fine weather across the country on December 25. Photo / File

It looks like there's good news in store for Christmas Day - the latest predictions indicate the rain may stay away.

Weatherwatch says its models indicate a 60 per cent chance of fine weather across the country on December 25.

Although, with the big day still two weeks away, you'll have to wait until Friday for a more definitive prediction.

Philip Duncan, head weather analyst at WeatherWatch, says his team are following high pressure systems which create settled weather with less severe weather conditions like heavy rain.

"That's what we're trying to figure out right now: Is that high going to be over us or just slightly to the east of us or the west of us. It makes a big difference," he said.

Lisa Murray, a meteorologist at MetService, says recorded data shows Christmas Day has historically been dry in the main centres.

Since 2007 rainfall has been recorded on only four Christmas days in Auckland, three in Christchurch, and two in Wellington.

Murray also says there is currently a south-westerly flow across most of New Zealand which could carry through to Christmas Day.

"If we're unlucky you could get those southwesterlies which, for Auckland, could mean a few showers," she said.

WeatherWatch says thunderstorms, daily downpours, and humidity are set to take hold in the tropics to the north of New Zealand over the next two weeks which could also have an impact.

"The tropics are getting very active now," Duncan said.

"Any low that forms this summer in the tropics will be one to watch because of La Niña increasing the chance of storms to our north."