South Island facing further wet weather

After a wet start to the year, the South Island's West Coast and southern areas could be in for even more rain.

Niwa's seasonal outlook for January to March predicts that rainfall is likely be near normal or above normal in the west and south of the South Island.

Heavy rain in Westland, Nelson and Buller last week washed away a bridge and caused holiday traffic mayhem.

The wild weather washed out Wanganui River bridge at Harihari, south of Hokitika, on Wednesday, splitting the coast in half, and causing holidaymakers to make massive detours.

Niwa's outlook predicts better weather for the rest of the country for the remainder of summer though.

Rainfall was likely to be near normal or below normal for the east of the North Island and for everywhere else it is likely to be near normal.

However, it might be cooler for those in the west of the North Island, with near average or below average temperatures predicted for the next three months.

Temperatures for the rest of the country were likely to be near average.

Southwesterly winds over the country were likely to be ``enhanced'' for the next three months.

And for those wanting to make the most of summer and take a dip in the ocean, sea surface temperatures were expected to remain close to average until March.