KEY POINTS:
New Zealanders can look forward to average and above average temperatures this spring, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) says.
In its national climate centre's seasonal climate outlook, Niwa predicted there was only a 20-30 per cent chance of below average conditions over much of the country from September to November.
Rainfall in the east of the North Island was predicted to be above normal, while conditions in the rest of the country were likely to be drier than normal.
Prevailing westerly winds were likely to be weaker and less frequent than normal, Niwa said.
In Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty, average or above average temperatures with normal rainfall were likely.
In the Central North Island, Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatu and Wellington average or above average temperatures were likely with normal or below normal rainfall.
In Gisborne, Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa, average seasonal temperatures were likely with above normal rainfall.
In Nelson, Marlborough, Buller, Coastal Canterbury and east Otago, average temperatures were likely, with normal or below normal rainfall.
In West Coast, the alps and foothills, inland Otago and Southland, above average temperatures were likely with below normal rainfall.
- NZPA
