Daffodils are blooming, blossom trees are flowering and the warmer temperatures are here to stay for the most part.
Today is the first day of spring and the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) is predicting a warm, mild spring thanks to a moderate La Nina being well established in the tropical Pacific.
Climate scientist Georgina Griffiths said spring temperatures were expected to be above average from September to November across the country, with the exception of some short-term cold snaps.
"After a very mild autumn, a mild winter, a quite warm spring is on the way."
In Otago, above-average temperatures and near normal rainfall, soil moisture levels and stream flows are predicted.
MetService weather ambassador Bob McDavitt said Otago would experience a short southerly blast on Friday, which could bring some snow to upper mountains inland.
However, it was not expected to last long, and light winds and clear skies were forecast for the weekend.
Niwa was predicting La Nina conditions would continue through the summer.
