Warmer and wetter autumn ahead

Autumn is expected to be warmer, cloudier, wetter and more humid around the country, forecasters say.

NIWA’s climate outlook for Autumn said temperatures were forecasted to be above average for all regions with rainfall totals for the North Island and north of the South Island forecasted to be above average and near to above normal for the rest of the mainland.

NIWA meteorologist Seth Carrier said the weather forecasted for autumn was a continuation of the patterns formed in summer.

La Nin˜ a conditions throughout summer had caused New Zealand sea temperatures to become much warmer than usual.

Carrier said that the warmer air and sea temperatures would play a large role in fuelling low pressure systems throughout autumn.

‘‘It (warm air) can hold more moisture, which acts as fuel for a

"It could be a fairly wet three months." NIWA meteorologist Seth Carrier

storm or low pressure [system], which can result in heavier rainfall,’’ he said.

‘‘It could be a fairly wet three months.’’

Carrier said autumn could be a good season for Canterbury farmers. He said soil in the area was a lot wetter than normal due to a run of wet weather in the past few weeks.

‘‘The rainfall prospects for the South Island should be good news for all of agriculture.’’

Blue Skies forecaster Tony Trewinnard said he thought autumn started a few weeks ago with wetter, cloudier and cooler temperatures already being experienced throughout the country.

‘‘All of our seasons have been ahead of the last year or more and I think autumn is just continuing that trend.’’

He said Cantabrians could expect a lack of westerly winds, which was expected to increase cloudiness and humidity in the region.

‘‘People will notice the dampness and it will feel muggy. Generally the air around Canterbury will be milder than normal, but because of increased cloudiness daytime temperatures may feel cooler than normal.’’

These conditions would make growing grass easier, but could bring challenges of fungal disease for farmers, Trewinnard said.

He said the region’s farmers should be aware there was a potential for heavy rainfall and significant snowfalls throughout autumn.

As for winter, Trewinnard said Cantabrians should expect a cloudier and wetter season than usual with wild temperature swings.