New Zealand is set for a largely hot summer according to NIWA predictions.
The National Climate Centre's outlook for summer shows above average temperatures can be expected on the West Coast of the South Island and near average or above average temperatures for the rest of the country.
Climate scientist Georgina Griffiths told Checkpoint the West Coast would welcome the dry, warm summer after the recent torrential rains there.
Sea surface temperatures are also likely to be warmer this summer.
Rainfall is expected to be below normal or normal for most of the country, except the northern North Island.
Ms Griffiths says Northland can expect good rainfalls which will be welcome there after a long dry period that had seen streams drying out.
NIWA says New Zealand is currently experiencing La Nina conditions and those are likely to continue through the summer, although the effect will not be as strong as 2010.
