Photo: suppliedIt's a white Christmas for some Southland residents, with a dusting of snow on mountains in Te Anau this morning. The weather's not looking that flash for the South Island for Christmas Day. Oamaru and Invercargill were also expected to get showers and possibly thundery hail in the afternoon and highs of 21°C and 17°C. Meanwhile, orange heavy rain warnings are in place for the ranges in Buller, Westland and Grey districts (from Arthur's Pass northwards) and the Canterbury Headwaters (also from Arthur's Pass northwards) from early this morning, with thunderstorms possible. Heavy rain watches have been issued for the Tasman District, the ranges of the Westland District (from Mount Cook to Arthur's Pass), and the Canterbury Headwaters (also from Mount Cook to Arthur's Pass).

Source: Otago Daily Times December 24, 2025 22:34 UTC