MetService looks ahead at Christmas weather

High temperatures mixed with severe weather warnings left some high and dry over the weekend while others ducked for cover.

Kaikoura airport hit 32 degrees Celsius at 3pm yesterday, while Timaru reached 31C and Napier edged in at 30C and many others sat high in the 20's.

At the same time Christchurch residents were being warned about severe thunderstorms.

So what's ahead for the week leading into Christmas?

MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris spoke to Charlotte Cook.