Atmospheric analysis

NIWA has crunched the data on this week’s heatwave and come up with the following record breakers

Areas deemed hotspots have expanded significantly during the past week in the North Island, while in the South Island the previous hotspot encompassing Nelson and nearby portions of Tasman has continued to strengthen during the past week.

Two Māori carvers head to Antarctica next week to complete and install a traditional carving at Scott Base, New Zealand’s headquarters on the ice.

29 January 2019. By Voyage Leader Dr Richard O'Driscoll.

23 January 2019. By Voyage Leader Dr Richard O'Driscoll.

The water in the New Zealand region is significantly warmer than it was 30 years ago, and all indications are the warming trend will continue, says a NIWA scientist.

The previous hotspot in the Far North dissipated around the Aupouri Peninsula in the past week, but has spread south into northern Whangarei and Kaipara districts. The current hotspot in Tasman could strengthen in the next week, while central Canterbury may see a new hotspot form in the coming week.

From 8 Jan - 27 Feb 2019, RV Tangaroa undertook a six-week research voyage to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.

17 January 2019. By Voyage Leader Dr Richard O'Driscoll.

The previous hotspot in the Far North has expanded in size during the past week, now encompassing much of the eastern Far North and the Aupouri Peninsula. A hotspot remains in place across Nelson and nearby portions of Tasman, but no other South Island hotspots are in effect at this time.

To give insights to sea surface temperatures, NIWA scientists have combined predictions from 8 climate models from institutes around the world.

It may be rubbish to everyone else, but to Amanda Valois each little scrap of plastic on a river bank or in a waterway tells a valuable story.