Climate scientists are predicting a warmer, milder than average winter for most of New Zealand, although a normal amount of rain is still expected to fall.
The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research is forecasting that soil moisture levels will return to normal following this year's drought.
Dunedin and other parts of the country got an early taste of winter on Tuesday. Photo: RNZ
NIWA's seasonal climate outlook says higher than normal pressures are forecast south of the country whereas lower than normal pressures are expected to the west and north, bringing warm winds down from the Tasman Sea.
It says winter rainfall is likely to be above normal ranges in the north and east of the North Island, which should restore soil moisture to normal levels.
River flows in the west and south of the South Island could be below average.
NIWA principal scientist Brett Mullan says occasional cold snaps with frost and snow should still be expected in many areas.
He says the equatorial Pacific Ocean is neither El Niño nor La Niña, and in a neutral state that is likely to persist over the next three months.
