The fun in the sun continues as El Niño stretches out through to April

Above average heat and normal or below rainfall is expected for most of the country, apart from risks of big rainfall events on the west of the South Island.

Auckland, Northland and Bay of Plenty may need to watch out for droughts and fire risk conditions are highest in Otago, Canterbury, and Wairarapa.

However, NIWA Principal Scientist Chris Brandolino says people can still enjoy this weather.

He says this means more days can be spent outside enjoying a barbecue, the beach and the outdoors.