Sunny summer days have meant ice creams, swimming at the beach and picnics for many across the country. Photo: 123rf
Summer is returning for the first few days of 2024 after the wind, rain and thunderstorms that closed 2023.
But MetService says more rain will return to parts of the country by the end of the week.
Meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said on Thursday the South Island was expected to get the first wet weather for 2024, with rain forecast in Fiordland, southern Westland, Southland and Clutha.
Trampers in those regions would need to keep up with the latest severe weather information.
A yellow heavy rain watch had been issued for Fiordland from the middle of Thursday, with the advice the rainfall could approach warning criteria.
The southerly and rain would then make its way up the country from Friday into Saturday before brighter and more settled weather rounds off the week, from Friday evening in the South Island and Saturday in the North Island.