If you thought there was less rain than usual last month – you'd be right.

According to data released by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, rainfall was below normal (50-70 per cent of normal) across much of the Bay of Plenty and Waikato during August.

Rainfall in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions was below normal during August, according to data released by Niwa today. Pictured: Percentage of normal rainfall for August 2016. Image: Niwa

While rainfall was below normal, the NIWA data shows August soil moisture levels for the two regions were near normal for this time of year.

When it came to temperatures during August, again it was near average (-0.50 degrees Celsius to 0.49C) for both the Bay and the Waikato, and the number of sunshine hours for the two regions were also near normal (90-109 per cent of normal).

During August, mean sea-level pressures were lower than normal to the northeast of New Zealand and above normal to the southeast of the country. This pressure pattern resulted in a prevalence of winds from an easterly or south-easterly direction, says NIWA.

Average air temperature for August 2016. Image: Niwa

Staring into their crystal ball for the September to November period, NIWA predicts temperatures will very likely (60-70 per cent chance) be above average in the Bay and Waikato.

But with that said, the transition into spring will bring frosts and cold snaps from time to time, particularly in the first half of the season.

Rainfall totals are about equally likely to be in the near normal range (40 per cent chance) or above normal range (35-40 per cent chance) in the north and east of the North Island.

Soil moisture levels and river flows are likely to be in the near normal (40 per cent chance) or above normal (35 per cent chance) range for the east of the North Island.

While sea surface temperatures are forecast to remain above normal over the next three months, especially to the north of New Zealand.

End of month water balance in the pasture root zone for an average soil type where the available water capacity is taken to be 150 mm. Image: Niwa