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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Small sea-level rises to drive more intense flooding, say scientists
Media release14 April 2020A little can mean a lot – especially when it comes to the relationship between sea level rise and coastal flooding. -
Hotspot Watch 8 April 2020
Hotspot08 April 2020The New Zealand Drought Index shows that severe meteorological drought remains across the Coromandel Peninsula and near Cape Reinga. Meteorological drought is found across parts of the Far North, Auckland, and far northern Waikato -
Hotspot Watch 1 April 2020
Hotspot01 April 2020In the North Island severe meteorological drought coverage has again receded significantly in the past week, although it is still widespread in the Coromandel Peninsula. Meteorological drought remains in place across parts of Northland, Auckland, northern Waikato, and East Cape. Meteorological drought has completely dissipated across the upper South Island, although widespread dry soils are still present. -
Climate change content for school kids gets revamp
Media release27 March 2020Young New Zealanders can now access the most up-to-date educational material about the science of climate change and its impacts on Aotearoa thanks to NIWA’s new web section: 'Climate change information for climate solvers' -
Volunteers needed to unlock historic weather secrets 16 March 2020
Media release16 March 2020NIWA climate scientists are asking for volunteers to help give its historic weather project a quick, sharp boost. -
Hotspot Watch 11 March 2020
Hotspot11 March 2020Across the North Island, rainfall during the past week was quite variable. Moderate rainfall occurred in the West Coast and Southland. However, rainfall was generally meagre from Marlborough to southern Canterbury. -
Hotspot Watch 5 March 2020
Hotspot06 March 2020Across the North Island, rainfall during the past week was generally higher than several previous weeks, with many locations receiving 10-20 mm and isolated pockets of 30 mm or more. -
More snow on glaciers but no good news, say scientists
Media release06 March 2020Scientists have recorded more snow on the South Island glaciers this year, but they warn it is simply a temporary break rather than any good news on the climate change front. -
We don’t know much about lakes and climate change, says researcher
Media release05 March 2020Scientists know so little about how storms affect the delicate balance of lake ecosystems that we may be unable to protect them from the effects of climate change, says a NIWA scientist. -
What's average in my region?
One of the top questions NIWA receives about its Seasonal Climate Outlook is: what is below normal / near normal / above average in my region?