Atmospheric analysis

Blooms of hazardous cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) in rivers, lakes and reservoirs can cause problems for both animal and human health. How can you find out whether an algal bloom is potentially toxic?

Eastern North Island
Gisborne, Napier, Masterton
Sheltered by high country to the west, this zone enjoys a dry, sunny climate. Warm dry settled weather predominates in summer. Frosts may occur in winter. Typical summer daytime maximum air temperatures range from 20°C to 28°C, occasionally rising above 30°C. High temperatures are frequent in summer, which may be accompanied by strong dry foehn winds from the northwest. Extreme temperatures as high as 39°C have been recorded. Winter is mild in the north of this region and cooler in the south.

Generally speaking, a drought is defined as a rainfall deficit which restricts or prevents a human activity – for example, farming or power generation.

Maps of the average first and last dates of soil moisture deficit are shown here.

Check out UV index forecasts for locations in New Zealand (including ski fields), Australia, the Pacific and Antarctica.

At the age of seven, NIWA’s youngest climate scientist, Nava Fedaeff, swapped sub-arctic Siberia for balmy Auckland – and her first job was to learn to swim.

Common questions about clouds, how they are formed and how they behave.

Māori have an extensive knowledge of the ecology of freshwater eels, and have maintained their customary fisheries for several centuries.

Diverting water away from its natural channel for commercial or private use.

How does urbanisation increase sediments in waterways?