In light of bitterly cold weather in the past week, Wairarapa people could be excused for casting a sceptical eye over claims by Niwa the remainder of winter is going to be warmer than usual.
But that's just what forecasters are predicting.
Latest predictions are for temperatures to be above average over
the remaining weeks of winter with rainfall and river levels likely to be near normal for this time of year. The organisation predicts there is a 55 per cent chance of temperatures being above average in Wairarapa during July, August and September compared to a 30 per cent chance they will be "near average" and a 15 per cent likelihood they will fall below average.
The Wairarapa predictions are in line with expectations for the entire North Island and the tip of the South Island for the next three months.
