Warmer start to winter

KENT BLECHYNDEN/The Dominion Post

DOG DAYS: Denis Kenward takes a dip in Lyall Bay and bottom, Molly the Welsh Corgi owned by Jason Eteveneaux has fun at Lyall Bay.

Relevant offers

A mild autumn is being predicted, heralding a warmer start to winter as New Zealand nears the end of daylight saving time.

As the La Nina weather system weakened, above average temperatures were likely for the next three months in several regions, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research said.

"The whole country is looking pretty good ... If it stays mild, it should be good news for the average farmer," principal climate scientist James Renwick said.

The forecast predicted average or above average temperatures in the North Island, including Wellington, Taranaki, Wanganui and Manawatu.

Ski Areas Association executive director Miles Davidson was undaunted by the prospect of warmer June weather in the alps.

He said that with snow-making in cold temperatures at high altitudes things could be turned around pretty quickly.

Dr Renwick expected "gentle autumn weather" for much of the South Island as well.

"The indications are it should be drier than normal, and highs will dominate."

This Sunday at 3am clocks will have to be wound back an hour to mark the end of daylight saving.

This year daylight saving will be reintroduced on September 27.

- © Fairfax NZ News