SYDNEY, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Most parts of Australia are set for a warmer-than-usual winter going into spring, with the nights likely to be warmer than average except for the tropical northern areas, according to national weather authorities.

The northern and eastern parts of mainland Australia are also "likely to be drier than average" from July to September in the Southern Hemisphere, the Bureau of Meteorology said in its climate outlook on Thursday.

Higher-than-average pressure is likely to the south of the continent, resulting in fewer cold fronts extending into its southeastern parts where major cities such as New South Wales state capital Sydney and Victoria state capital Melbourne are located, according to the bureau.