Mist has been a frequent companion of those living on Dunedin's hills for more than a week, but the MetService says the air is about to clear, despite the rain being forecast to continue.
MetService duty forecaster Rochelle Fleming said the clinging moisture hanging around the hills was caused by a humid air mass coming in off the sea in northeast breezes.
The warm air rose from the sea until it hit the hills, where it cooled, forming moisture and therefore cloud, and sat without a strong enough wind to blow it away.
The good news was a front that moved across the country yesterday was expected to be followed by some cooler air and southwest winds, which would flush out ''all that moisture'' and dissipate the mist, allowing residents to see the sky for the first time in days, in some parts.
And the sun features for the first time in days on the MetService's forecast for Dunedin today. Fine weather and 19degC are expected.
But the cloud and rain, possibly some heavy showers, will be back tomorrow and are expected to stay around for the eight days after that, with temperatures staying under 18degC.
Dunedin is forecast to be one of the sunniest places in Otago this New Year's Eve, along with Oamaru, which should be fine with 21degC, but Alexandra is the pick of the region's most popular holiday spots, with sunshine and 22degC forecast for today, returning to cloudy and showers and 19degC tomorrow.
Cloud and showers are expected in Queenstown, with 18degC forecast for both days, while Wanaka will be cloudy with showers, and 19degC forecast for both days.
