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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. -
Hotspot Watch 13 May 2022
Hotspot13 May 2022A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. -
Hotspot Watch 6 May 2022
Hotspot06 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. -
Hotspot Watch 29 April 2022
Hotspot29 April 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 22 April 2022
Hotspot22 April 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 14 April 2022
Hotspot14 April 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. -
Glacier timelines
Once upon a time, long ago, massive glaciers covered our landscape. As they retreat, they leave piles of sediment and rocks behind called moraines that tell an important story of New Zealand's climate history. -
Understanding why our giant glaciers disappeared in the past gives clues to the future
Media release13 April 2022Researchers are studying the moraines around Lake Tennyson to work out why and when the glaciers disappeared. -
Hotspot Watch 8 April 2022
Hotspot08 April 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.