NZ set for warmer than usual weather - NIWA

Auckland's Kohimarama Beach Photo / Greg Bowker

Warmer than usual temperatures are likely across the whole of New Zealand in late spring, says the National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (Niwa).

Niwa's National Climate Centre latest seasonal outlook predicted seasonal temperatures in all regions were likely to be above average from October to December as moderate to strong La Nina conditions were expected to until at least autumn next year.

Rain levels in all regions were expected to be near normal or below normal.

In Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty there was a 60 per cent chance of warmer conditions than average and a 70 per cent chance of near or below average rain fall.

In central North Island, Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatu and Wellington there was a 65 per cent chance warmer than usual temperatures and 75 per cent of near or below average rain fall.

In Gisborne, Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa there was a 50 per cent chance of higher than usual temperatures and a 80 per cent chance of near or below average rain fall.

In Nelson, Marlborough and Buller there was a 50 per cent chance of higher than usual temperatures and a 65 per cent chance of near or below average rain fall.

In the West Coast, the Southern Alps, inland Otago and Southland there was 65 per cent chance of higher than usual temperatures and a 80 per cent chance of near or below average rain fall.

In Canterbury and east Otago there was a 45 per cent chance of higher than usual temperatures and a 75 per cent chance of near or below average rain fall.

Soil moisture levels and stream flows were likely to be near normal or below normal in most regions.

- NZPA