Raincoats on New Year outdoor party list
If you are planning on partying outdoors in Rotorua this New Year's Eve, it might pay to take a raincoat.
The MetService forecast is for showers all weekend turning to rain on Monday _ New Year's Eve. With a high of 21C it's looking like it could be a muggy and damp evening to see out 2012.
MetService meteorologist Brooke Lockhart said tomorrow will be the best of the coming days, with just patchy morning drizzle.
On Sunday, a front from the south will bring periods of rain with some heavy falls possible, she said.
Ms Lockhart said a few showers would continue during the day on Monday, with rain settling in during the evening, threatening those counting down to midnight under open skies.
Rotorua GLO Festival organiser Monty Morrison said he had been keeping a close eye on the forecast, which had been constantly changing over the past few days.
He said the planned Party in the Park, Street Party and fireworks display on New Year's Eve were going ahead and advised people to dress for the weather.
"It's the old story _ hope for the best and plan for the worst.''
Mr Morrison said in the unlikely event there were any changes to the programme because of bad weather, they would be announced on Monday.
Ms Lockhart said Taupo revellers were likely to be hit by evening showers on Monday and while Whakatane was forecast to be mainly fine and 24C, it too was not safe from the occasional downpour. Meanwhile, the forecast for New Year's Day is for dry and warm weather in Rotorua and Whakatane _ but more showers are on the way for Taupo.
