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 15 January 2021
Hotspot15 January 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 8 January 2021
Hotspot08 January 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. -
NIWA heads to Antarctica for critical climate, ocean research
Media release08 January 2021NIWA’s flagship research vessel Tangaroa leaves soon on a six-week voyage to Antarctica, making it one of the few full scientific expeditions to the continent since the global outbreak of COVID-19. -
Valuable work of weather volunteers
Feature story23 December 2020A vital network of rainfall and climate station volunteers across Aotearoa send their weather measurements to NIWA every month where they are used by scientists researching New Zealand’s climate. -
Wet, warm, cold, dry – the holidays with a bit of everything
Media release21 December 2020In a year that has brought us a bit of everything weather-wise, we’re happy to report that Aotearoa will be on Mother Nature’s good side this holiday period — mostly. -
Hotspot Watch 17 December 2020
Hotspot17 December 2020A 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 11 December 2020
Hotspot11 December 2020A 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 December 2020
Hotspot04 December 2020Significant rainfall amounts of 30-70 mm occurred in western Waikato, Taranaki, Wairoa District, and Wellington, during the past week, with a few locations in these areas receiving up to 100 mm. -
2020 in top 10 warmest years for New Zealand
Media release03 December 2020This year is on track to be one of New Zealand’s top 10 warmest on record, according to NIWA forecasters. -
Hotspot Watch 27 November 2020
Hotspot27 November 2020A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. -
Hotspot Watch 19 November 2020
Hotspot19 November 2020A 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.