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Most parts of the country will have a drier-than-usual December, MetService says. Today is the first day of the meteorological summer. MetService meteorologist Tuporo Marsters said Taranaki to Wellington and the west coast of the South Island were the only areas that wouldn't be drier than usual. "It will be a relatively warm December with temperatures expected to be above average, especially in eastern areas of both islands." A ridge of high pressure over the country was bringing a mix of sun and cloud, mild temperatures and the odd shower. "There's nice blue skies over Auckland. Showers over the Bay of Plenty could become quite heavy as the day goes on."

More fronts would approach the country into the weekend. The South Island was in for a better weekend than the North Island, where a weak low would form tomorrow night off the coast of Gisborne. Meanwhile, WeatherWatch is expecting afternoon showers and westerly winds for Northland to Bay of Plenty. A couple of showers could become heavy in the Bay of Plenty and then clear later in the evening. Other areas could expect a mix of cloud and sun, and showers are possible in South Canterbury and North Otago. Tomorrow would be fairly calm across the country, although it could be cloudy in some regions. Main centres outlook Whangarei: Today: Long sunny spells. Light winds and afternoon sea breezes. High 24C. Friday: Fine spells, chance afternoon shower. Southwesterlies. High 23C. Auckland: Today: Sunny spells with possible afternoon shower. Afternoon sea breezes. High 22C. Friday: Long fine breaks. Southwesterly breezes. High 20C. Hamilton: Today: Cloudy periods and occasional morning drizzle. High 22C. Friday: Fine Spells. Light winds. High 21C. Tauranga: Today: Morning cloud then sunny spells, odd afternoon shower. Northeasterlies. High 21C. Friday: Long fine spells. Light winds. High 23C. Wellington: Today: Morning drizzle then becoming sunny. Southeast breezes. High 17C. Friday: Cloudy periods. Chance shower with southerly change. High 17C. Christchurch: Today: Morning cloud, afternoon fine breaks then late rain. Easterlies. High 16C. Friday: Cloudy periods, showers clearing. Northeast developing. High 14C. Dunedin: Today: Cloudy periods, chance shower. Southwest dying out. High 13C. Friday: Cloudy periods. Northeasterlies developing. High 13C. - Source: MetService