Science Centres: Climate

The climate we predicted and what actually happened.

Predicted rainfall

Normal or above normal over the northern North Island and eastern regions of both islands, and normal elsewhere.

Outcome

Normal rainfall over most of New Zealand. Above normal rainfall in the far north, Whakatane, Gisborne, Canterbury, coastal Otago, coastal Southland and the central South Island. Below normal rainfall in the central and western North Island, top of the South Island, Westport and southern parts of the West Coast.

Predicted air temperature

Average in all regions, except for average or below average in the east of the South Island. Cold spells and seasonal frosts are still expected throughout the South Island and central North Island.

Outcome

Mostly below average over the whole country.