MetService has issued a severe weather warning for the lower west coast of the South Island with a front set to deliver heavy rain between New Years Eve and 3 January.
It will be rainy new year for much of the country. Photo: 123RF
Wild weather is also expected for the central North Island but the rest of the country continues to bask in summer's glow as we head into the last weekend of the year.
MetService yesterday issued a severe weather warning for northern Hawke's Bay, saying heavy rain may cause surface flooding and slips, making driving dangerous.
Hikers and campers are being warned to stay away from the ranges in the northern Hawke's Bay and swimming holes might also become unsafe as stream and river levels rise rapidly.
The break in the extraordinarily sunny start to summer is being caused by a ridge lying over the South Island and a low deepening east of the North Island.
The low is expected to move slowly eastwards today as the ridge spreads across the country.
Looking ahead to New Year's Eve, MetService says a front will move over the South Island on Saturday and Sunday, while a complex low approaches the country from the northwest on Monday.
This means while yesterday and today are mainly fine, much of the country can expect increasing cloud and showers over the weekend with rain heralding the New Year on Monday.
For Northland and Auckland, New Year's eve is set to be a sunny one, but rain is predicted to arrive the following day.
Whanganui to Wellington will be fine and cloudy through the weekend with a few showers mainly about the ranges on Monday.
Main centre forecasts for New Year's Eve
Whangarei
Long fine spells with light winds and a high of 26C.
Auckland
Long fine spells with light winds and a high of 24C.
Hamilton
Fine with some light winds and a high of 24C.
Tauranga
Fine with light winds and sea breezes and a high of 26C.
Wellington
Cloudy in the afternoon with showers developing in the evening and some strong winds. Will reach a high of 20C.
Christchurch
Increasing high cloud. Northeasterlies changing southerly evening and a high of 25C.
Dunedin
Occasional rain in the morning which will ease in the evening. Will reach a high of 21C.
Main centre forecasts for New Year's Day
Whangarei
A few showers in the afternoon with northeasterlies developing. Will reach a high of 26C.
Auckland
Fine with a few afternoon showers and light winds. Will reach a high of 25C.
Hamilton
Fine with a few afternoon showers and light winds. Will reach a high of 25C.
Tauranga
Fine with a few afternoon showers and light winds. Will reach a high of 24C.
Wellington
A few showers and a high of 23C.
Christchurch
Cloudy with a chance of morning showers. Will be fine from the afternoon with a high of 23C.
Dunedin
Low cloud in the morning and night, otherwise fine with a high of 20C.