Climate & Weather

Understanding our variable and changing climate is critical for managing resources and reducing risks.

  • Improved climate information for Vanuatu

    NIWA and Vanuatu's Meteorology and Geohazards Department have installed a network of fully automatic weather stations across Vanuatu.
  • Beating drought

    Feature story
    How a regional climate history helped save a farm and cure depression
  • NZ snowline shrinks

    Feature story
    New Zealand’s glaciers have all retreated and lost volume since NIWA started surveying them in 1977.
  • New Zealand

    New Zealand is situated in the latitudes of prevailing westerlies and exposed coastal locations often experience strong winds, with generally lighter winds elsewhere.
  • Blog: southern ocean climate models - 13 March

    13 March 2018Twice a day at 1pm and 8.30 pm Sean Hartery, NIWA, and Peter Kuma, University of Canterbury, head for the Fantail at the very back of the ship to release their weather balloons.
  • Scientists measure glaciers after record-beating summer

    Media release
    Climate scientists and glaciologists are taking to the skies this week to find out how New Zealand’s glaciers are faring following this summer’s record-breaking warmth.
  • Swamp kauri providing a window to the past for scientists

    Media release
    Ancient swamp kauri is being used by NIWA scientists to reveal the secrets of past climates.
  • Five more days from the official hottest summer on record

    Media release
    Despite a sub-tropical storm and two ex-tropical cyclones, this summer is about to become the hottest in history.
  • Blog: atmospheric gas measurements - 21 February

    21 February 2018John McGregor from NIWA checks on the instruments that measure atmospheric gases throughout our voyage.
  • Auckland region climate change projections and impacts | Auckland Council

  • Warmer seas make whales more difficult to find and track

    Media release
    A two-week expedition to tag blue whales in New Zealand waters for the first time, almost came up empty due to warmer sea temperatures causing the animals to change their behaviour.
  • NIWA's Hotspot Watch for 9 February 2018

    Hotspot
    Hotspots in the North Island are located across Gisborne, the Tararua District, and in parts of west coastal Taranaki. The only hotspot in the South Island is in Southland.