As the country welcomes spring with fine weather in many places today, indications point to warmer-than-average conditions over the next three months.
In its seasonal climate outlook Niwa says eastern parts of the South Island can expect above-average temperatures through spring. At the same time, rainfall is tipped to be normal or below normal in this area, much of which is already feeling the effects of a protracted dry spell.
It is a similar story out west and down south, where above-average temperatures and normal or below normal rainfall are expected.
Niwa says there is a ''strong likelihood'' of warmer-than-normal conditions for much of the North Island through to November.
