New Zealand / Weather

Rainy summer will continue to dampen spirits - NIWA

14:12 pm on 7 January 2023

There is a chance of showers at the beach throughout the summer, NIWA predicts. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

Keep your umbrellas at the ready as forecasters predict a wet summer ahead.

NIWA has released its seasonal climate outlook for the next three months.

It shows the La Niña weather system easing over the country by early autumn.

Air pressure is forecast to be higher than normal around the bottom of the South Island and lower than normal, in the north of the country.

Rainfall is likely to be above normal in the east of the North Island, below normal in the west of the South Island, near normal in the west of the North.

NIWA predicts a warmer, wetter summer. Photo: Supplied / NIWA

Warmer than average regional seas are expected to fuel occasional heavy rainfall.

However, periods of high pressure could cause dry spells, particularly around inland and western parts of both islands.