Weather experts say New Zealand can expect warmer temperatures in the coming months, though short cold snaps are also likely.
On the first official day of spring, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) has released its climate outlook for the next three months.
NIWA says the La Nina weather pattern is well established in the tropical Pacific and may strengthen through the rest of the year.
It says most of the country can expect near normal rainfall for spring, while the north and east of the North Island may get slightly more.
It also says soil moisture levels and stream flows are likely to be near-normal in all regions.
