Warm, dry Spring on the way for Canterbury

Spring is here and it's looking to be a slightly warmer and drier season for the east of the South Island, including Canterbury. 

NIWA 's newly released three-month seasonal climate outlook has outlined the predicted spring air temperature, rainfall and river flow for September, October and November. 

NIWA forecasting and media scientist Chris Brandolino said Spring weather is typically changeable for the east of the South Island, and this season was shaping up to be no different.

The outlook predicted there will be normal (or below normal rainfall for the area over the next three months.

Temperatures were predicted to be normal or above normal, with September having the most frequent and dramatic change in weather conditions.  

October and November will likely have more settled weather conditions as a high-pressure system stabilizes. 

Brandolino said the combination of less rain and higher temperatures could have consequences for farmers.

That could lead to an early start to the irrigation process, which could in turn lead to water shortages in hydro catchments.

Brandolino said over the next three months ocean temperatures will be unusually warm. Warmer ocean temperatures drive up air temperatures.

The spring weather this year is driven by the climate pattern called La Niña, which can occur every 2-7 years. 

This is the second year of La Niña, which oftens brings less rainfall and drier conditions for the east of the South Island.