With three days out from Christmas so it's time to find out if our barbecue plans for the big day will sizzle or fizzle.
The weather forecast for Christmas is a mixed bag depending on where you'll be celebrating but most will be hoping for some sunshine. Photo: 123rf.com
If you're in the Bay of Plenty or the Far North, it's good news for you; with hot, dry weather expected for Christmas Day.
The sea surface temperatures will range from 19-21C in these areas.
According to NIWA forecaster Ben Noll areas of rain, gusty winds, and even a few thunderstorms will line the landscape on Christmas Eve.
But following Christmas Eve, a fresh southwesterly flow will sweep up the country.
"We're going to have some pretty wet and windy weather" - MetService meteorologist Peter Little
"Over the next couple of days we're going to have some pretty wet and windy weather across much of the country so it actually looks like it's shaping up a little better for Christmas Day," Peter Little from MetService told Morning Report.
Westland up to Nelson will be the wettest.
"At least we're getting rid of all this wet air, it is going to take the rain away with it, although unfortunately for parts of the South Island, particularly eastern parts of the South Island, on Christmas Day it does look quite showery with a weak southerly change that moves north."