NZ set for warm end to autumn: Niwa

The end of autumn and the start of winter looks likely to be mild, the national climate centre says.

As the La Nina weather system weakened, above average temperatures were likely on average over the next three months in several regions of the country, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) said.

"It is not likely that any major region will be cooler than normal over the three months as a whole, although this does not rule out occasional cold spells," principal scientist James Renwick said.

The outlook covering April, May and June and showed average or above average temperatures in all regions, Dr Renwick said.

"While most regions are expected to experience near normal rainfalls, below normal rainfall is likely for the eastern South Island, and normal or above normal rainfall is likely over the north of the North Island.

"Normal or above normal soil moisture and stream flows are likely in the northern North Island, while near normal conditions are likely over the rest of the North Island and northern South Island."

- NZPA