More highs are expected to cover the country this month, according to the latest MetService outlook.

As December moves on, the weather over New Zealand should gradually start to settle, says meteorologist Georgina Griffiths.

A typical December is on the cards for New Zealand.

'The signal for highs over the country is particularly strong in the second-half of the month,” she says.

This means a drier than usual December is forecast for most regions of the country.

'After a very stormy and cool November, many people will be looking forward to some enjoyable BBQ weather,” adds Georgina.

'But after four months of low rainfall in the north and east of the South Island, farmers in those regions will instead be asking Santa for some decent rain.”

It has been an extremely dry spring (September-November) for the northeast South Island, following a very dry August.

Nelson and Blenheim experienced their fourth driest spring on record, in observations starting in 1941.

Nelson recorded 99mm of spring rainfall (only 39 per cent of normal), while Blenheim received 82mm (44 per cent of normal).

Significant soil moisture deficits are now evident in Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury and Central Otago, reflecting the high wind-run and low rainfall recorded over the last four months.

'Below average temperatures are expected at the start of the month, but temperatures look to return to more typical December levels by mid-month,” says Georgina.