Fingers crossed for sunny Christmas Day

A sunny Christmas Day is not out of the question... yet. Herald File Picture

A traditional Christmas Day barbecue may not be out if the question with sunny skies finally heading for New Zealand.

This weekend, thunderstorms and hail is forecast for many places with snow expected above 700 metres in the south and east of the South Island.

MetService says the wet, cold and windy weather is expected to last well into next week.

Forecaster Bob McDavitt says New Zealand has not had a decent anti-cyclone since mid-November but it is possible the pattern will change by Christmas Day as a high lurks offshore.

He says people should still check the forecast before making holiday or outdoor plans.

- NEWSTALK ZB