Weather hazards

NIWA is placing the future of New Zealanders at the heart of its operation by investing in new supercomputers that will significantly enhance scientists’ abilities to solve crucial issues facing the country.

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

A glossary of common climate change and meteorological terms.

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

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

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.

Common questions about storms and cyclones in New Zealand.

Some commonly-asked questions about tornadoes in New Zealand.

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

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