Science Centres: Climate

During Jun-Aug, mean sea level pressures are likely to be above normal over the North Island, with a weak westerly anomaly over the South Island. Temperatures are likely to be above average in the North Island, and average or above average in the South Island. Rainfall is likely to be near normal over much of the country.

Winter temperatures are likely to be above average in the North Island, and average or above average in the South Island. Nevertheless, cold spells and seasonal frosts are still expected throughout the South Island and central North Island.

Rainfall is likely to be near normal over much of the country, except for normal or below normal in the southwest of the North Island.

Sea surface temperatures are expected to be near average around New Zealand over the winter period.

For winter 2010, normal or below normal soil moisture levels and stream flows are likely in the north and west of the North Island, with normal conditions likely in all other regions.

In this example below, the climate models suggest that below normal conditions are likely (50% chance), but, given the variable nature of the climate, the chance of normal or above normal conditions is also shown
(30% and 20% respectively).

See our full June-August 2010 climate outlook