Drought forecasting dashboard
NIWA and MPI are working together to develop a new drought forecasting tool. It uses innovative climate modelling, the latest in machine learning and other data-driven techniques to predict rainfall 35 days ahead. It will help farmers and growers better prepare for periods of dryness and drought.
Climate and weather
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Stewart Island gets new electronic weather station
Media release24 August 2021A closer eye is now being kept on Stewart Island’s climate thanks to the installation of a new electronic weather station. -
Scientists reveal how landmark ban gave planet fighting chance
Media release19 August 2021Without the global CFC ban we’d already be facing the reality of a “scorched earth”, according to researchers measuring the impact of the Montreal Protocol. -
Record warmth so far this winter
Media release05 August 2021New Zealand has just experienced its warmest June and July since records began in 1909 and – with one month to go - is on track for its second successive warmest winter on record. -
The fine art of forecasting
Feature story04 August 2021Susan Pepperell looks at how high-resolution forecasting is driving sharper decision making – from deep in the back country to the finish line of the America’s Cup. -
Supercharging the view from above
Feature story04 August 2021From the rocky shores of Wellington’s South Coast to the icy waters of Antarctica, NIWA scientists are combining drone technology with advanced computer skills to map, measure and analyse the natural environment as never before. Campbell Gardiner explains. -
Know your snow
Feature story04 August 2021With the winter snowpack starting to build, who’s keeping an eye out on conditions in the mountains? -
Putting the weather on ice
Feature story04 August 2021Sam Fraser-Baxter catches up with a Fiji-born weather technician with a newfound love for the cold -
The largest flood flow ever measured
Media release29 July 2021Flood flows on the Buller River this month were the largest of any river in Aotearoa New Zealand in almost 100 years, NIWA measurements show. -
Murchison Mountains electronic weather station (EWS)
The Murchison mountains SIN station is located at 1140 m elevation in Fiordland National Park. Because of the low elevation, snow often comes and goes throughout the winter season. Snow records start in 2012. -
Castle Mount electronic weather station (EWS)
Castle Mount electronic weather station is at 2000 m elevation on an exposed site above the Milford Track. Records here begin in 2012. Strong winds limit snow accumulation during the winter. -
Mount Larkins electronic weather station (EWS)
The Mount Larkins electronic weather station is located east of the main divide near Glenorchy and Lake Wakatipu at 1900m elevation. -
Mueller Hut electronic weather station (EWS)
Mueller Hut electronic weather station is at 1818m elevation and located in Mount Cook/Aoraki National Park. This site also measures solic precipitation and solar radiation. This is the deepest (~3m) of all the snow and ice network sites and records at this site start from 2010.