After a year filled with dramatic weather events, from drought, to fires to flooding, it will be a relief for many to see 2020 end on a calm note.
That will be extra true for those out camping or enjoying a New Year's Eve at the beach.
According to WeatherWatch there is "minimal risk of severe weather" in the coming days, though forecasters warned "rain may become heavier in some parts of the southern half of the South Island overnight New Year's Eve and into New Year's Day".
"We have no dramatic or severe weather across the nation, although it's not perfectly dry," WeatherWatch said.
Temperatures in the North Island are around normal to above normal by day, though coastal Wairarapa, Hawke's Bay and Gisborne are set to be a few degrees below normal.
"By night the entire North Island is hovering around normal to slightly below normal temperature-wise. Have a jumper or jacket handy in case you get cold," WeatherWatch forecasters warned.
Gisborne, where the popular Rhythm and Vines music festival is taking place, is set for a high of 20C on Thursday, according to MetService. Revellers will have cloudy periods with the odd shower, though conditions will clear in the afternoon, with southerlies dying out in the evening for them to ring in the New Year. New Year's Day will bring a high of 23C and fine weather with high cloud, with northerlies developing in the afternoon. On Saturday and Sunday it will warm up a bit, with fine weather and temperatures into the mid 20s expected.
Holiday hotspots on the Coromandel are looking at fine weather with light winds and highs hovering around the mid-20s on Thursday, though cloud will increase on Friday bringing a few afternoon showers in some places, according to MetService. It's not looking so good over the weekend though, with showers becoming heavier and more frequent, and thunder possible on Sunday.
Those enjoying the beaches of the Bay of Plenty are looking at a fine New Year's Eve with light winds and sea breezes and a high in the early 20s. Temperatures will warm up a bit on New Year's Day, edging into the mid 20s, though cloud will also increase bringing a few showers in the afternoon. Occasional showers are also forecast for Saturday, with heavier downpours expected in the afternoon, and Sunday is set to bring more frequent and heavy showers along with the possibility of thunder.
Up north, in popular holiday places like Paihia, Thursday temperatures will hover around 26C, with fine weather and light winds expected for the New Year's Eve. Temperatures will be slightly cooler the following day, with more cloud and a few showers developing in the morning. Saturday will bring occasional showers, heavier for a time in the afternoon while there will be fine spells on Sunday, though a few showers are expected in the afternoon.
Holidaymakers enjoying the Marlborough region are set for a cooler New Year's Eve, with partly cloudy conditions and a high of around 20C. Temperatures are set to rise to the mid 20s on New Year's Day however, with fine spells and light northeasterlies also forecast. On Saturday it will be fine with cloudy periods and Sunday is also forecast to have fine weather after morning cloud burns off, though there is a chance of afternoon showers.
Further south, it is looking like it will be a wetter New Year's Eve and New Year's Day for many.
"Places like central Otago and south Canterbury may need special attention for rainfall with these dry areas exposed to some heavier downpours," WeatherWatch said.
In Queenstown New Year's Eve is forecast to be cloudy with a few spots of rain and a high of 21C, according to MetService. The mercury will drop a few degrees on Friday, though,, with conditions set to be mostly cloudy with rain at times, and light westerlies turning southerly in the morning.It will be a cooler weekend, with a high of just 17C forecast for Saturday, and periods of rain becoming more frequent.
