Winter is here...but the icy temperatures aren't

NIWA expects warmer than average temperatures across the country because of a lack of southerly winds, warmer sea surface temperatures and a continuation of La Nina for part of the season.

There will still be cold snaps and frosts, but they may not be as long or happen as first.

Metereologist Ben Knoll says climate factors indicate more moisture will be heading to New Zealand from the north.

He says that can mean heavy rain and the chance for flooding especially in the North Island as we go through the season.