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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Marine heatwave developing
Media release01 December 2022Coastal waters around Aotearoa New Zealand became unusually warm last month, say NIWA. -
Hotspot Watch 1 December 2022
Hotspot01 December 2022A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. Regions experiencing significant soil moisture deficits are deemed “hotspots”. Persistent hotspot regions have the potential to develop into drought. -
Hotspot Watch 23 November 2022
Hotspot23 November 2022A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. Regions experiencing significant soil moisture deficits are deemed “hotspots”. Persistent hotspot regions have the potential to develop into drought. -
Hotspot Watch 16 November 2022
Hotspot16 November 2022A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. -
Hotspot Watch 8 November 2022
Hotspot08 November 2022A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. Regions experiencing significant soil moisture deficits are deemed “hotspots”. Persistent hotspot regions have the potential to develop into drought. -
Climate change experts tour New Zealand’s coastal wetlands
Media release03 November 2022A group of international scientists are visiting some of New Zealand’s most significant coastal wetlands as part of a five-year research project to help the country adapt and prepare for sea-level rise. -
Hotspot Watch 1 November 2022
Hotspot01 November 2022A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. Regions experiencing significant soil moisture deficits are deemed “hotspots”. Persistent hotspot regions have the potential to develop into drought. -
High UV prompts SunSmart warnings
Media release21 October 2022Experts are warning Kiwis to be extra cautious this summer, with ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels averaging higher compared to 2021. -
"Exceptional" August atmospheric river sets record
Media release25 August 2022NIWA meteorologists say last week’s atmospheric river (AR), which was responsible for widespread devastation in both the North and South Islands, was a record-breaker. -
2022 off to a searing start
Media release20 July 2022New Zealand’s weather is proving no exception to the record-breaking extremes occurring around the globe. -
Matariki viewing prospects
Media release21 June 2022NIWA meteorologists say people living in the lower North Island and eastern South Island are likely to get the best views of the Matariki star cluster during the upcoming weekend. -
Seen a stunning sunrise or sunset lately? The Tongan volcano may be the cause
Media release15 June 2022The Tongan volcanic eruption may be responsible for New Zealand’s unusually vibrant sunrises and sunsets, say NIWA scientists.