A warm lead-up to autumn and a continued dry spell in the South Island is predicted for the next two months.
The National Climate Centre says the late summer and early autumn of 2009 is likely to be warmer than average in most areas of New Zealand.
Principal Scientist for climate variability and change James Renwick says areas with dry spells at the moment should keep an eye on the situation as it is likely to continue.
Dr Renwick says the eastern part of the South Island is likely to be worst hit by the dry spell.
