MetService said a front was moving northwards over the South Island into early Christmas morning. Photo: Screenshot / MetService
It's set to be a wet and windy Christmas Day for parts of the South Island, with heavy rain forecast for the west coast, and gales expected in Canterbury.
MetService said a front was moving northwards over the South Island into early Christmas morning, but would then become slow moving around the northern parts of the island.
Orange heavy rain warnings are in place for the ranges in Buller, Westland and Grey districts (from Arthurs Pass northwards) and the Canterbury Headwaters (also from Arthurs Pass northwards) from early Thursday morning, with thunderstorms possible.
⚠️Warnings Update ️
— MetService NZ (@MetService) December 24, 2025
The weather doesn't stop over the Christmas holidays!
Our Severe Weather Forecasters on duty have issued Heavy Rain Warnings; Heavy Rain Watches and a Strong Wind Watch for the South Island.
Please take care and keep up to date with our latest… pic.twitter.com/QJgDE7l9fQ
Heavy rain watches have been issued for the Tasman District, the ranges of the Westland District (from Mount Cook to Arthurs Pass), and the Canterbury Headwaters (also from Mount Cook to Arthurs Pass). There is a moderate chance these watches will be upgraded to warnings.
A strong wind watch is also in place for the Canterbury High Country and near the foothills until 9am, with MetService warning that the northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.
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