SPRING has come at last to the Southern Downs, and a warm end to winter has already ushered in impressive spring blooms.

Light frosts were expected for the first day of spring today but overnight temperatures will climb to 6 and 7 degrees tomorrow and Thursday.

Slightly above-average temperatures are expected for much of the season, with average daytime temperatures staying in the low 20s over the coming weeks before climbing to the high 20s in October.

This is compared with respective mean temperatures of 23.6, 26.0 and 27.8 for the three months in Warwick.

Cooler nights will remain on the cards for the next couple of months, with seasonal overnight minimums between 9 and 12.

This week, light winds are expected with the passage of a trough bringing the slight chance of a storm late tomorrow and early Thursday.

Cloud cover will bring a much warmer overnight minimum of 7, a welcome change from the frosty -1 that was expected this morning.

Warwick locals can enjoy the sunshine at the weekend though, as sunny skies and crisp spring mornings are expected in time for Friday.

Daily temperatures for the next week will remain comfortable around the low 20s.

While spring sunshine may be good news for some, the threat of an El Niño event will spell drought for regional producers as it brings hot, dry conditions and low winds expected over spring.

The current outlook reflects the record warm sea surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean, and the El Niño in the Pacific which is likely to peak at the end of this year.

SPRING OUTLOOK

Median forecasts for September to October:

•  Max. temp: 25.2
•  Min. temp: 10.4
•  Rainfall: 163mm