Outlook: December-February 2018

December 2018 – February 2019 temperatures are forecast to be above average (45% chance) or near average (40% chance) for all regions of New Zealand.

December 2018 – February 2019 rainfall totals are forecast to be near normal (40% chance) or below normal (35% chance) for the north of the North Island and near normal (40% chance) or above normal (35% chance) for the west of the South Island.  Near normal rainfall (45% chance) is most likely for all remaining regions of New Zealand.

December 2018 – February 2018 soil moisture levels and river flows are about equally likely to be near normal (40% chance) or below normal (35–40% chance) for the east and north of the North Island.  Near normal (40–45% chance) soil moisture and river flows are expected for all other regions of New Zealand.