The risk of a cyclone remains elevated for New Zealand, as we enter Autumn

NIWA's Season Climate Outlook finds temperatures are expected to be above average for the north and west of both islands.

Principal Scientist Chris Brandolino says late summer through early autumn, is the peak of the tropical cyclone season, with normal-to-elevated risk for a cyclone through to April this year.

He says ocean waters remain much warmer than average around the South Island, as well as Cook Strait experiencing marine heatwave conditions.