Hold off on thoughts of a long, hot summer – NIWA is predicting it is likely to be a cooler one than usual.

It has released its climate outlook for the next three months.

Temperatures are likely to be average or below average across the country, with conditions predicted to be cooler in south and drier in the northeast.

NIWA says summer rainfall totals are likely to be normal or below normal in the north and east of the North Island, and the top of the South Island.

Rainfall’s tipped to be near normal in other regions

– NEWSTALK ZB