With one month to go, New Zealand is on track to record its second successive warmest winter on record, after experiencing its warmest June and July since records began in 1909. Meteorologist Ben Noll said the previous record was 1.15degC above average for June and July in 2016. Several factors had contributed to the warmer temperatures. "Air pressure has been higher than normal in the east so far this winter which has brought more northeasterly winds to New Zealand, bringing warmer air from the sub-tropics. Mr Noll said because the temperatures were tracking so far above average, this winter had a firm lead on last year’s figures.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 05, 2021 16:30 UTC