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 11 November 2021
Hotspot11 November 2021A 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 4 November 2021
Hotspot04 November 2021A 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. -
Quantifying and reducing agricultural emissions of greenhouse gases
Research ProjectAlmost half of Aotearoa New Zealand’s CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture. This is a much higher proportion than most other countries – globally, agricultural emissions average around 7.5% of a country’s total emissions. -
Coastal flooding likely to be main driver for adaptation
Media release12 October 2021New NIWA-led research shows increasing flood risk is going to be what leads people to make changes to adapt to sea-level rise. -
It’s the warmest winter on record - again
Media release03 September 2021Aotearoa New Zealand has just experienced its warmest winter on record – well exceeding the previous record which was set just last year. -
The weather’s better in lockdown, right?
Media release26 August 2021A record-equalling top temperature of 23ᵒC in Akaroa on Tuesday prompted a feeling of déjà vu for NIWA forecaster Ben Noll. -
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?