Weather hazards

For the past year, NIWA’s meteorologists have been on call to provide real-time, comprehensive information about weather patterns that may accelerate a fire.

Imagine if you could foresee what would happen to your home in a severe flood or tsunami, and then work out how to prevent or reduce the impact before any such event occurred.

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.

Damming water for urban use, hydro-electric power generation, irrigation, and other industrial and commercial uses.

Dog Island levels

Floods are not unusual in New Zealand, but those that hit us early this winter broke records. Why did they occur? Should we expect more? Can we predict future floods?

Whitianga Wharf sea levels

A glossary of common climate change and meteorological terms.

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

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

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.

Common questions about storms and cyclones in New Zealand.