Ask someone if it feels cold in winter and they usually say yes, but this year more people are finding it warmer than normal – which matches the data.

Warmer weather has been affecting a number of regions, especially by day. It doesn’t mean you always feel warm but the temperatures are above normal in most places which is leading to pasture growth as far south as Southland, confused plants in some regions and many Kiwis perhaps not using as much heat, especially in the north, compared to previous years (although being ‘warmer than normal’ doesn’t always equal you feeling ‘warmer’!).

The latest poll sums up what most of us know, winter isn’t the coldest this year for many regions with a lack of snow and frosts also backing this up – although if you look at the Departure from Normal Temperature map for tomorrow, Tuesday, you’ll see the lower South Island is colder than average by a degree or two thanks to a local southerly.

View poll results here (also this poll is still active so you can vote here too)

– WeatherWatch.co.nz