Global Setting – May 2013
6 June 2013
The equatorial Pacific Ocean remains in a neutral state (neither El Niño nor La Niña). International guidance indicates that these neutral conditions are likely to persist over the coming three months (June–August). In the New Zealand region higher than normal pressures are forecast south and southeast of the country, whereas lower than normal pressures are expected to the west and north of New Zealand. This circulation pattern is expected to be associated with more northerly and north-easterly airflow than usual.
Sea Surface Temperature
Sea surface temperatures around New Zealand's coasts are also forecast to be above the climatological average for the coming three months.