There is a chance of a warm run through to spring, Niwa's seasonal climate outlook says.
While there was still the possibility for cold snaps, frosts and snow, overall temperatures could be warmer than normal from August to October, Niwa principal scientist Brett Mullan said.
Sea surface temperatures were forecast to be above average along the east coast and further offshore.
The equatorial Pacific Ocean remained in a neutral state, neither El Nino or La Nina, despite some patterns like a weak La Nina.
Higher pressures than normal were forecast south of the country, he said. This circulation pattern was expected to produce a weaker-than-normal westerly flow over the country.
For inland Otago, this meant temperatures, rainfall and river flows were likely to be in the average to above-average range.
Similar conditions were likely for coastal Otago, although spring rainfall, soil moisture levels and river flows were likely to be near normal.
