Warm days are here to stay

A tui makes the most of early flowering cherry trees. Photo / John Borren

Tauranga's spring-like temperatures are set to continue.

For the past few weeks temperatures have averaged 16C, at least two degrees warmer than previous years.

MetService meteorologist Dan Corbett said Tauranga also had several days where the mercury reached 19C.

"It is well above normal," he said. "Tauranga residents can expect temperatures similar to that for the next few weeks."

Mr Corbett said recent weather systems meant the whole country saw warmer temperatures this winter and the warm climate could be expected to continue into spring.

"The last southerly we had was probably in mid-July and since then it has been like spring. It has been very, very mild indeed."

However, he said winter wasn't over yet and most centres, including Tauranga, could expect a cold snap before spring arrived.

"We all know winter is not over until the Fat Lady sings."

Meanwhile, Niwa's seasonal climate outlook said a warm early spring was on the cards.

The outlook stated temperatures over the August to October period as a whole were likely to be above average in most North Island regions.

"Nevertheless, cold snaps, frost and snow conditions will, of course, still occur in many areas from time to time, as is typical of this time of year," it stated.

Rainfall for the August to October period as a whole was forecast to be normal or above normal in the east and north of the North Island as well as the west of the South island, while normal or below normal rainfall is likely for the west of the North Island and the north of the South Island.

Niwa predictions stated Bay of Plenty temperatures for August to October were likely to be above average.

"Rainfall totals, soil moisture levels and river flows during this period are all likely to be in their near normal or above normal ranges."