We have the full forecast for NZ and also Australia and the tropical islands as we countdown the sleeps until Christmas Day!

For NZ – plenty of downpours and afternoon thunderstorms for both main islands, but also a lot of long dry spells too.

Australia also has downpours and thunderstorms moving through.

The South Pacific Tropics – not overly active or stormy right now but we have the usual downpours and thunderstorms scattered across the region.

*Programming Note: Tomorrow we have a special extended update on weather for Christmas, NYE and New Year’s Day – and also highlighting any weather features that may impact holidaymakers over the next 2 weeks.

Afternoon downpours & thunderstorms are hit & miss – but if one hits you it can more than triple your forecast daily rainfall total.

Being frustrated we can't forecast every single shower is like being angry you can't fly to London in 1 hour…the technology just isn't here yet!

— WeatherWatch.co.nz (@WeatherWatchNZ) December 20, 2022