A spring-like pattern is returning to New Zealand from today through much of next week with severe westerly gales and heavy West Coast rain on the way. It will mean a drier, hotter, weather set up for some in the east of both main islands too.

Australia has a burst of hot weather right now with temperatures up to 45C forecast.

But all eyes are returning back to the tropics, where there is still a huge amount of tropical energy and warmth wanting to escape southwards.

There are some signs that NZ may get more tropical fuelled rain after Christmas Day – it’s too early to lock in, but we discuss the possible set up for Christmas Day and beyond in the NZ and South West Pacific area.