Outlook - November to January 2012

November-January temperatures are likely to be average or above average in the southwest and east of the North Island, and in Nelson-Marlborough, and near average in other regions. Sea surface temperatures are expected to remain near average around New Zealand. Rainfall is likely to be near or below normal in the north of both Islands, but near normal overall in other regions. 

Rainfall is likely to be near normal in the west, south and east of the South Island, but normal or below normal in all other regions. 

Soil moisture and river flows are forecast to follow the same regional pattern as rainfall, except that soil moisture levels are likely to be below normal in the north of the North Island, and both soil moisture levels and river flows are likely to be below normal in the east of the North Island. 

November-January temperatures are likely to be average or above average in the north and east of the North Island, and near average in other regions.