Warmer than average temperatures forecast for winter

Following the hottest May on record that was 2.3degC warmer than usual, Niwa said the outlook for the June to August period indicated that temperatures were likely to continue above average in many regions of the country. Photo / Thinkstock

The outlook for winter is average to above average temperatures with cold snaps and normal rainfall, say the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA).

It said that the strong La Nina event which had dominated the tropical Pacific for several months had faded out.

Following the hottest May on record that was 2.3degC warmer than usual, Niwa said the outlook for the June to August period indicated that temperatures were likely to continue above average in many regions of the country, but near average in the west and south of the South Island.

Temperatures were likely to be average or above average for the northern North Island.

"Despite the overall pattern of mild conditions, cold snaps typical of winter will still occur from time to time through the period," Niwa said in a statement.

Seasonal rainfall and seasonal river flows were likely to be near normal in the north and east of both islands, and normal or below normal over western regions of both islands.

Weaker westerlies and more frequent than normal easterly winds were likely.

- NZPA