Extreme weather

A glossary of common climate change and meteorological terms.

Information about climate and weather and links to climate-related websites.

Common questions about storms and cyclones in New Zealand.

Due to its position in the 'Roaring Forties', a belt of strong winds in the Southern Hemisphere which generally occur between the latitudes of 40 and 49 degrees, as well as its small size, New Zealand is a windy country.

Maps of the average first and last dates of soil moisture deficit are shown here.

This weekly update helps assess likelihood of extremely dry weather preceding a drought.

Understanding what happens above and below ground during a flooding event, and how it is different from normal rainfall conditions

The New Zealand Drought Monitor is a system for keeping track of drought conditions across New Zealand based on a standardised climate index.

A new tool to monitor drought conditions across New Zealand has been launched today by NIWA.