Outlook - August to October 2012

Sea temperatures around New Zealand are likely to be near normal for the August - October period as a whole. Early spring temperatures are likely to be near average or above average for all regions, which is in contrast to a typical El Niño early spring period. August-October rainfall is likely to be near normal or above normal in the north and east of the North Island, but below normal for the west, south and east of the South Island. For Nelson/Marlborough, and the southwest North Island, seasonal rainfall totals are likely to be in the near normal range. 

August-October rainfall is likely to be near normal or above normal in the north of the North Island, below normal for the eastern South Island, and near normal in all other regions. 

Early spring temperatures are likely to be near average or above average for all regions, which is in contrast to a typical El Niño early spring period.