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But while winter has had a cold and snowy start, Niwa is predicting a mid-winter lull as high pressure systems arrive in mid-June and July. August could even see spring-like conditions, as westerlies bring warmer air from Australia.
Niwa principal scientist Chris Brandolino said temperatures would be warmer than average from now till the end of winter, despite the chilly start to June.
Any cold snaps would likely be short-lived, Brandolino said. Looking at July and August "there may be some cold snaps but they're probably not going to define the next couple of months".
The North Island and the West Coast could see less than normal rainfall over winter, according to Niwa forecasts. However, farmers in the east of the South Island are likely to get slightly more rain than normal.
Today's weather
Whangārei
- Morning rain easing to occasional showers. Light winds. High 17C, Low 8C
Auckland - Cloudy. Occasional showers developing late morning. Northeasterlies dying out in the afternoon. High 16C, Low 8C
Hamilton - Mostly cloudy, a few showers. Light winds. High 15C, Low 6C
Tauranga - A few showers, turning to rain this afternoon, possibly heavy and thundery. Northerly breezes. High 16C, Low 10C
New Plymouth - Periods of rain. Northerlies easing, then turning southeast this evening. High 15C, Low 9C
Napier - Mostly cloudy. Rain developing evening. Northerly breezes. High 16C, Low 9C
Whanganui - Mostly cloudy. Periods of rain from late evening. Northerly breezes turn southeast in the evening. High 17C, Low 9C
Wellington - Cloudy. Rain overnight. Northerlies change to southerly evening. High 15C, Low 11C
Nelson - Rain easing in the afternoon. Winds mainly light. High 15C, Low 8C
Christchurch - Mostly cloudy, occasional light rain. Southwest breezes. High 12C, Low 7C
Dunedin - Mostly cloudy, occasional light rain. Southwest breezes. High 12C, Low 8C