Wellington, Sept 30 NZPA
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 percent chance of warmer conditions than average and a 70 percent chance of near or below average rain fall.
In central North Island, Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatu and Wellington there was a 65 percent chance warmer than usual temperatures and 75 percent of near or below average rain fall.
In Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa there was a 50 percent chance of higher than usual temperatures and a 80 percent chance of near or below average rain fall.
In Nelson, Marlborough and Buller there was a 50 percent chance of higher than usual temperatures and a 65 percent chance of near or below average rain fall.
In the West Coast, the Southern Alps, inland Otago and Southland there was 65 percent chance of higher than usual temperatures and a 80 percent chance of near or below average rain fall.
In Canterbury and east Otago there was a 45 percent chance of higher than usual temperatures and a 75 percent 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 WGT ve dw gt 30/09/10 14-32NZ
