NIWA is continuing to predict a slightly warmer winter despite the recent snow and heavy rain in Otago.
In its late-winter climate outlook for July to September, Niwa says temperatures are very likely to be average or above in all South Island regions.
''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,'' principal scientist Brett Mullins said.
Sea-surface temperatures were likely to be above the climatological average for the coming three months and to the east and south of the country.
No El Nino or La Nina weather patterns were expected to affect New Zealand for the next three months. In inland Otago, seasonal rainfall and river flows were likely to be normal or near normal. Soil moisture levels were likely to be normal, he said.
In East Otago, late-winter rainfall and river flows were likely to be in the normal range. Soil moisture levels were likely to be near normal or above.
