Daffodils are blooming, blossom trees are flowering and the
warmer temperatures are here to stay for the most part.
Today is the first day of spring and the National Institute
of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) is predicting a
warm, mild spring thanks to a moderate La Nina being well
established in the tropical Pacific.
Climate scientist Georgina Griffiths said spring temperatures
were expected to be above average from September to November
across the country, with the exception of some short-term
cold snaps.
"After a very mild autumn, a mild winter, a quite warm spring
is on the way."
In Otago, above-average temperatures and near normal
rainfall, soil moisture levels and stream flows are
predicted.
MetService weather ambassador Bob McDavitt said Otago would
experience a short southerly blast on Friday, which could
bring some snow to upper mountains inland.
However, it was not expected to last long, and light winds
and clear skies were forecast for the weekend.
Niwa was predicting La Nina conditions would continue through
the summer.
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