Wet weather to welcome in the New Year with heightened police expected across the city

THERE will be an increased police presence across Darwin suburbs tonight to ensure all Territorians farewell 2020 and welcome in 2021 safely

THERE will be an increased police presence across Darwin suburbs tonight to ensure all Territorians farewell 2020 and welcome in 2021 safely.

Police Commander Matthew Hollamby said while police would be stationed at the Darwin Waterfront and on the Mitchell Street strip, there would be a heightened police response capability and capacity across the suburbs.

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“Obviously not all the activities are in the city centre, but we will have extra police on the beat in the suburbs,” he said.

“Operation Roland, which is our road safety campaign for the Christmas holiday period, will be out in force on New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day.”

Acting Chief Minister Nicole Manison said, just like the whole year, New Year’s Eve would be different, and Territorians needed to play their part and be COVID-19 safe.

“This is not the year where you get to go out and cuddle a random stranger,” she said.

“This is the year where you want to stick close to your friends and your group of known people.”

Aneeta Bhole is preparing for a wet NYE at Darwin's Waterfront. Picture: Che Chorley

Revellers heading to outdoor venues today to ring in the New Year are being asked to pack a poncho as rain is forecast for much of the day.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Sally Cutter said there was a chance of rain today: “We’re looking at similar to what we have been getting,” she said.

“If we get one of those good storms, we could be seeing around 10-40mm.”

Ms Cutter said rain would be likely in the morning, before easing later in the afternoon.

“The later you go into the evening, there’s probably a better chance of seeing some rain,” she said.

“If you’re inland in the rural area you may see afternoon activity.”

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Ms Cutter said similar wet weather conditions were expected on January 1, with the onset of the monsoon forecast to hit Darwin over the next few days.

Alice Springs residents can expect a hot day of 37C and a minimum of 20C.

Parap resident Aneeta Bhole said she was looking forward to saying goodbye to 2020.

“I’m going to be working, but as soon as I knock off I’ll be knocking back a couple of froths,” she said.