An early, but slightly warmer winter than usual is on the way.

Temperatures in the North Island, Buller, Nelson and Marlborough were likely to be above average from May to June, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) said in its seasonal climate outlook released today.

The rest of the South Island was expected to have average to above average temperatures.

“Despite the overall pattern of above average temperatures, cold snaps typical of winter will still occur from time to time through the period.”

The warmer weather could bring more rain, with normal or above normal rainfall predicted for everywhere expect the lower half of the South Island.

River flows were likely to be above normal in the northern North Island, normal or below normal in the western South Island, and near normal over the rest of the country.

The outlook also said mean sea level pressures were likely to be below normal to the north of New Zealand and above normal to the east and south, with more frequent than normal northerly or northeasterly winds.

– NZPA

– Homepage image / Alison Metherell