Retrospective - November to January Outlook

The climate we predicted and what actually happened.

Predicted rainfall: Rainfall is likely to be normal or below normal in the north and east of the North Island, and near normal elsewhere.

Outcome: Near normal rainfall for most of country. Well below normal in Northland. Below normal in parts of the Central Plateau and eastern South Island. Above normal in parts of Hawkes Bay and Tararua District.

Predicted air temperature: Temperatures are likely to be near average over the North Island and northern South Island, and average or below average over the rest of the South Island. Sea surface temperatures near New Zealand are expected to be somewhat below average during November-January.

Outcome: Near average temperatures for most of country.  Below average for parts of Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Central Plateau, Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa, coastal Canterbury and Southland.