Outlook: January-March 2019

February – April 2019 temperatures are forecast to be above average (50-60% chance) for all regions of New Zealand.

February – April 2019 rainfall is about equally likely to be normal (40%) or above normal (35%) in the north of the North Island and west of the South Island. Near normal rainfall is most likely (45% chance) for all remaining regions of New Zealand.

February – April 2019 soil moisture levels are forecast to be below normal (45% chance) in the north and west of the North Island, about equally likely to be below normal or near normal (35-40% chance) in the east of the North Island, and north and west of the South Island, and most likely to be near normal in the east of the South Island.