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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El Niño and La Niña
El Niño and La Niña are opposite phases of a naturally occurring global climate cycle known as the El Niño Southern Oscillation, or ENSO for short. -
Hotspot Watch 8 March 2024
Hotspot08 March 2024A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. -
Many New Zealand glaciers are headed for extinction
Media release06 March 2024A culmination of over 45 years of research is painting a grave picture for the state of our iconic glaciers. -
Hotspot Watch 1 March 2024
Hotspot01 March 2024A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. -
NIWA35 data request form
ServiceObtain NIWA35 forecast data from NIWA. -
Hotspot Watch 23 February 2024
Hotspot23 February 2024A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. -
Hotspot Watch 15 February 2024
Hotspot15 February 2024A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. -
![Soil moisture anomaly map (mm) at 9am on 6 February 2024. [NIWA]](/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2024-02/smdanom_20240206.png?h=8684f5b5&itok=K78qzgXz)
Hotspot Watch 7 February 2024
Hotspot07 February 2024A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. -
Hotspot Watch 1 February 2024
Hotspot01 February 2024A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry con -
Hotspot Watch 26 January 2024
Hotspot26 January 2024A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent. -
Warm oceans behind our hot, humid weather
Media release25 January 2024A strong marine heatwave is contributing to New Zealand’s unusually hot weather -
![Soil moisture anomaly map (mm) at 9am on 18 January 2024. [NIWA]](/sites/default/files/styles/card/public/2024-01/smdanom_20240118.png?h=8684f5b5&itok=RxAzg1qc)
Hotspot Watch 19 January 2024
Hotspot19 January 2024A weekly update describing soil moisture patterns across the country to show where dry to extremely dry conditions are occurring or imminent.