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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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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. -
In the snow: new tool to advise New Zealanders of snow conditions
Media release10 June 2022A new tool giving near real-time snow data has been made available to the public for the first time. -
A Hard Rain’s A’Gonna Fall
Feature story31 May 2022Climate change means more intense storm systems are on their way. Science can’t stop it raining, but it can help communities prepare for the worst and plan for the future. -
Hotspot Watch 20 May 2022
Hotspot20 May 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. This will be the final update of the Hotspot Watch for this season. Weekly Hotspot Watch updates will resume in the spring.