Temperatures are expected to be warmer than usual in Otago and Southland over the next three months, with Niwa predicting a mild end to autumn for the whole country.
Niwa's seasonal climate outlook released yesterday predicted temperatures in Otago and Southland would ''very likely'' be above average until the end of June, with rainfall totals ''likely'' to be near normal.
Soil moisture and river flows were expected to be near or below normal in both regions.
Niwa said the Pacific Ocean remained in a neutral state, which meant that neither the El Nino or La Nina weather patterns were over the country.
Otago Federated Farmers president Stephen Korteweg said the forecast was good news for farmers, with warmer than usual temperatures and average rainfall making for ''perfect'' conditions.
For people struggling with dry conditions, average rainfall was ideal and better than above-average rainfall, which could cool down soil temperatures and lead to boggy conditions, Mr Korteweg said.
Warmer weather would also be good for growing, and stock also tended to eat less when it was warmer, he said.
Asked if farmers in the Otago region were faring as badly with dry conditions as other parts of the country, he said: ''I think, as a province, we have fared better than most of our neighbouring provinces overall, but that's not to say there are not some people who have had it tough ... particularly in the likes of Clydevale and even some on the Taieri and in Clinton.''
Raineffects Ltd hydrologist Dave Stewart agreed the forecast was good for farmers.
''If we get normal rainfall over the next three months the dryness in the ground will gradually be sorted out.''
''What we do need though is some rain over the next week or so while the ground is still warm, so farmers can get some growth before winter,'' Mr Stewart said.
Niwa also expected above average temperatures and near normal rainfall for the rest of the country.
