Relief from heat, autumn here we come

Fallen leaves in Auckland yesterday signify the start of autumn. Photo / Jason Oxenham

The sticky days and nights of February are making way for an autumn change.

MetService meteorologist Lisa Murray says it's likely the extreme heat and humidity marking the final weeks of summer will be replaced by slightly cooler weather, but above-average temperatures are still expected for the North Island and the upper South Island.

This is related in part to extremely warm coastal seas.

Ms Murray warns March is a volatile month where temperatures traditionally swing dramatically as cold fronts head up from the south.

The March Outlook is up at https://t.co/S4s0CcQXh1. Click on link to get free to your inbox, includes graphics ^GG pic.twitter.com/Ft3e4l28Uu

— MetService (@MetService) March 1, 2016

"It's worth paying attention to forecasts when you're deciding what to wear in the mornings, because if you have a cold southerly coming through you will feel the nip."