Retrospective - March to May Outlook

The climate we predicted and what actually happened.

Predicted rainfall: Seasonal rainfall is likely to be above normal in the northern North Island, normal or above normal in the remainder of the North Island and the northern South Island, and near normal elsewhere.

Outcome: The majority of the North Island experienced above normal rainfall apart from parts of Northland, south Waikato, south Hawkes Bay, Manawatu and Wairarapa where normal rainfall was recorded. The top of the South Island experienced above normal rainfall as well as south Canterbury, the majority of Otago and eastern Southland. Western Southland recorded below normal rainfall. Normal rainfalls were experienced elsewhere.

Predicted air temperature: On average for autumn, temperatures are very likely to be above average in all North Island regions, and are likely to be above average in all South Island regions

Outcome: Temperatures were above average in Northland, Auckland, the Bay of Plenty, East Cape, Taranaki, west Manawatu, western Wellington Region, top of the South Island, north Canterbury, the McKenzie District, Otago and parts of Southland. Normal temperatures were recorded elsewhere.