While it ended with a polar blast that brought snow to many spots across the country, June's nationwide average temperature came in at a record-topping 10.6C – and the unseasonably mild trend is expected to continue for the rest of winter. It was just one of only 13 times since 1909 that a month's temperature sat that high above the 30-year baseline. A total 24 places saw their own warmest June, including Auckland, Wellington, Tauranga, Whakatane, Gisborne, Taupo, Porirua, Westport, Hokitika and Greymouth. The switch won't change any actual weather measurements, but due to our warming planet, it will mean the new temperature normal will be higher than previously. Above-average temperatures were most likely for the east and west of the South Island, with about equal chances for above-average or near average temperatures elsewhere.

Source: Otago Daily Times July 05, 2021 04:30 UTC