Unsettled weather predicted for Canterbury and South Island during Christmas

Thursday 18 December 2025 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Thu 18 Dec 2025, 4:30am

In this story MetService, Earth Sciences New Zealand

An active weather pattern may bring showers and cooler temperatures to the South Island over the holiday period. Meteorologists suggest widespread rain and potential snow for parts of Otago and Southland, making outdoor plans uncertain.

How they headlined it

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1. The PressThu 18 Dec 2025, 4:00am

   ‘I wouldn’t bet on a good Christmas’ - unsettled weather ahead for Canterbury (opens in new tab)

2. Otago Daily TimesThu 18 Dec 2025, 4:30am

   ‘Bit uncertain’: Christmas weather not shaping up well (opens in new tab)