New Zealand is known for its varied and changing weather, which can often be unpredictable. This is largely due to the influence of two major climate events, El Niño and La Niña. Knowing how El Niño and La Niña affect New Zealand’s weather can help Kiwis prepare for and understand the changing seasons.
What is El Niño?
El Niño is an ocean and atmosphere phenomenon that originates in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. During an El Niño period, the ocean surface warms along the equatorial region, and this warm water is then carried east by the ocean currents. This warm water can have wide reaching effects, resulting in changes to the weather patterns experienced in New Zealand and around the world.
How Does El Niño Affect New Zealand Weather?
El Niño events can have a variety of effects on New Zealand weather, including:
- Lower than normal temperatures in the South Island
- More rainfall in the North Island
- Warmer ocean temperatures across the country
- Increased intensity of storms and cyclones
- Reduced wind speed in the South Island
These effects vary from El Niño event to El Niño event and can be difficult to accurately predict. However, on average, El Niño years tend to be warmer and wetter than normal in New Zealand.
What is La Niña?
La Niña is the opposite of El Niño and occurs when the waters in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean become significantly cooler than normal. This cooler ocean water is then carried east by the ocean currents, leading to changes in weather patterns around the world.
How Does La Niña Affect New Zealand Weather?
La Niña events can have a variety of effects on New Zealand weather, including:
- Higher than normal temperatures in the North Island
- More rainfall in the South Island
- Cooler ocean temperatures across the country
- Reduced intensity of storms and cyclones
- Increased wind speed in the South Island
These effects vary from La Niña event to La Niña event and can be difficult to accurately predict. On average, La Niña years tend to be cooler and wetter than normal across New Zealand.
Preparing for El Niño and La Niña
It’s important to be prepared for El Niño and La Niña events as they can have a significant impact on New Zealand weather. Here are some tips to help Kiwis prepare:
- Keep up-to-date with weather forecasts – stay tuned to forecasts from MetService for up-to-date information on New Zealand’s weather and potential El Niño or La Niña events.
- Be prepared for extreme weather – be aware of the potential for extreme weather and plan for power outages or flooding.
- Check your insurance cover – some insurance policies may not cover extreme weather events.
- Be aware of water restrictions – water restrictions may be imposed during El Niño and La Niña events.
By understanding El Niño and La Niña and being prepared for their potential effects, Kiwis can ensure they are ready for New Zealand’s unpredictable weather.
