The latest climate outlook from weather forecaster NIWA is for a warmer spring with less rainfall for some parts of New Zealand. Warmer than average temperatures are expected through spring with unseasonably warm conditions at times in the east of both the North and South Islands. Spring rainfall is likely to be below normal in the east of the North Island, but close to normal in the west of the South Island and near normal to below normal in other parts of New Zealand. NIWA is forecasting periods of higher-than-normal pressure is likely to lead to extended dry spells through the season particularly in eastern areas. Soil moisture levels are likely to be near or below normal in the north and west of the North Island, most likely to be near normal in the east of the South Island. River flows across the east and north of the North Island are about equally likely to be below normal and near normal in the north of the South Island and equally likely to be near or above normal in the west of the South Island.

The most recent data indicates temperatures in New Zealand rose 1.32⁰C above average in June to August with 76 locations across the country experiencing record or near-record warm winter conditions.