Weather hazards

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.

Heavy rainfall is one of the most frequent and widespread severe weather hazards to affect New Zealand.

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

New Zealand has low-lying coastal areas that are vulnerable to inundation (flooding) by the sea.

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

River floods occur when water spills from a river channel onto land that is normally dry, and are one of New Zealand's costliest natural hazards.

Some commonly-asked questions about tornadoes in New Zealand.