Weather forecasting

El Niño and La Niña are opposite phases of a naturally occurring global climate cycle known as the El Niño Southern Oscillation, or ENSO for short.

Obtain NIWA35 forecast data from NIWA.

Whether you need weather or climate information six hours, days or months out, our accurate forecasts can help you with operational requirements and decision making.

NIWA Weather is NIWA's public facing weather forecasting website. You'll find 2-day, hour-by-hour forecasts for locations across Aotearoa New Zealand, as well as forecast videos by our in-house meteorologists, animations showing rain forecasts, tide forecasts and NIWA's daily UV index.

– Statement by NIWA Chief Executive John Morgan

El Niño is on its way, with whispers it could cause the Earth’s warmest ever year. But what is it? NIWA scientists tell all.

January was Auckland's wettest month since records began, according to meteorologists.

Improvements in data and climate science mean forecasters are able to predict patterns much further ahead and in far greater detail. Melissa Bray looks at what this may mean for farmers.

This Wednesday 22nd December, the sun reaches its highest position in the sky. It will be the Southern Hemisphere’s longest day of the year. Also known as the summer solstice, it marks the start of astronomical summer. But hang on, didn’t summer already begin? 

Emirates Team New Zealand is known for their outstanding achievements on the world yacht racing stage and their drive for excellence in technical innovation. So how does a supercomputer become part of the team?

Susan 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.

Sam Fraser-Baxter catches up with a Fiji-born weather technician with a newfound love for the cold