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Increased tropical cyclone activity possible for parts of the Southwest Pacific
News article14 October 2026The Southwest Pacific could experience at least four severe tropical cyclones reaching category 3 or higher this season, according to the 2026/27 Tropical Cyclone Outlook coordinated by Earth Sciences New Zealand. -
El Niño 2026: What you need to know
News article02 September 2026New Zealand will feel the impacts of a ‘Very Strong’ El Niño event over spring and summer of 2026/27. -
Much of New Zealand in for stargazing success this Matariki weekend
News article09 July 2026Hoping for a glimpse of the Matariki stars over the long weekend? -
El Niño declared, expected to intensify into one of the strongest on record
Media release02 July 2026Earth Sciences New Zealand has confirmed that El Niño conditions have been reached in the tropical Pacific and are expected to strongly influence New Zealand’s weather into 2027. -
From our forecasters: Winter 2026 may see the start of a formidable El Niño event
La Niña has only just ended, but already we are anticipating a potentially rapid flip to its opposite phase – El Niño. -
Hotspot Watch 23 April 2026
Hotspot23 April 2026This is the final Hotspot Watch update for this season. The Hotspot Watch will return during spring 2026. -
Hotspot Watch 17 April 2026
Hotspot17 April 2026A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. -
Hotspot Watch 10 April 2026
Hotspot10 April 2026A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. -
Hotspot Watch 2 April 2026
Hotspot02 April 2026A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. -
Fifty years of observations, no reversal of glacier climate damage
Media release31 March 2026Fifty years on from the first aerial survey of our Southern Alps glaciers, late snow and variable summer weather delivered a temporary reprieve from rapid ice loss, says Earth Sciences New Zealand. -
Hotspot Watch 27 March 2026
Hotspot27 March 2026A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. -
Hotspot Watch 19 March 2026
Hotspot19 March 2026A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent.