Central’s autumn weather themes are a cool start, but trending warmer, and dryness may linger according to NIWA forecasters. 

NIWA meteorologist Chris Brandolino said there would be some chilly mornings and bright sunny warm days in the second week of March as high pressure comes back to much of the country. 

NIWA has released its Seasonal Climate Outlook for March - May 2025, it details temperatures are most likely to be above average for Central but there are “some cool periods” in mid March. 

Forecast temperature for Autumn. Photo: NIWA

Week three and four of March look to be dry with rainfall forecast to be below normal. 

For the three month period rainfall is equally likely to be below normal (40 per cent chance) or near normal (35 per cent chance).

Periods of unusual dryness are likely, interspersed with rainfall events.

Soil moisture levels are equally likely to be below normal (45 per cent chance) or near normal (40 per cent chance).

River flows are equally likely to be below normal or near normal.

The autumnal equinox is approaching, it is on March 20 (the halfway point between summer and winter solstices, when the sun is above the equator, and day and night are equal in length).

The temperatures for the next few days in Central, Sunday’s high is 28’C. PHOTO: MetService

Daylight saving ends (and the clocks go back an hour) on Sunday April 6.

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