A mildly warmer autumn expected - Niwa

The sun rises over Rangitoto in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf. File photo / Brett Phibbs

Autumn will bring mildly warmer weather to all parts of the country with temperatures very likely to be above average, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric research (Niwa) says.

A strong La Nina event would continue in the tropical Pacific, but was showing signs of easing with neutral conditions likely in the tropical Pacific by winter, Niwa said.

Rainfall during the months of March to May was also expected to remain normal or above normal in both islands.

Sea level pressures were likely to be below normal to the north of New Zealand and above normal to the east and south of the country, with weaker westerlies across New Zealand.

Tropical cyclone activity was likely to be near or above normal for the rest of this cyclone season through to May, Niwa said.

- NZPA