Summer's over but autumn remains hot and humid

The second day of the new season still felt like summer to Buell Surjawan, 7, in his kayak, and his brother Harley, 11, at Judges Bay, Parnell. Photo / Nick Reed

Summer ends but expect more sweltering days and sticky nights — with some showers.

Summer may officially be over but the warm temperatures are set to stick around. Forecasters are predicting average to above average temperatures for most of the country over autumn.

MetService meteorologist Emma Blades said the start of March was warm for the North Island thanks to a northeasterly flow bringing humid air down from the tropics.

"Day and night-time temperatures will remain fairly high, making for some warm evenings," she said.

A front moving up the South Island yesterday brought rain to Southland, Otago and Canterbury.

However, ahead of the front, temperatures climbed to the high 20s, and in places like Christchurch temperatures even reached 30C.

Tomorrow, cricket fans attending the World Cup match between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates in Napier could expect good weather, with a warm, dry afternoon and a high of 24C predicted.

However, it could be a wet day for racegoers at the Auckland Cup at Ellerslie.

Ms Blades said Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne could expect a few showers tomorrow because of the moist air flow.

"Visitors dressing up for the Auckland Cup [tomorrow] may need to pack an umbrella."

Niwa forecaster Chris Brandolino predicted warmer temperatures for the whole country this autumn.

"For this autumn we are given equal chances for near normal or above normal [temperatures].

"The least likely outcome is for a cool autumn," he said.

However, as autumn progressed, cold snaps and frosts could be expected from time to time in some areas, Mr Brandolino said.

Analysts warn this week may provide a few sleepless few nights.

WeatherWatch said overnight lows would be warm enough to be "uncomfortable for some", because of the northeasterly flow.

Brighter nights were also expected with the moon waxing.

Dr Andrew Veale, clinical director at the New Zealand Respiratory and Sleep Institute, agreed that heat and humidity at night disturbed sleep quality.

"People toss and turn, have a fragmented sleep, and feel tired the next day," he said.

He said excessive light from the moon could also disrupt sleep patterns.