Is New Zealand in El Nino or La Nina?

Is New Zealand in El Nino or La Niña?

Although El Niño and La Niña (collectively known as El Niño-Southern Oscillation or ENSO) have an important influence on New Zealand’s climate, it accounts for less than 25 percent of the year-to year variance in seasonal rainfall and temperature at most locations. Nevertheless, its effects can be significant.

What does La Niña mean for NZ?

La Niña has been declared in the Pacific, which Weatherwatch says means more overnight and early morning drizzle and an increased chance of large, but isolated, downpours in the afternoon. It also means Kiwis watching the weather forecasts should pay closer attention to rainfall totals.

How does La Niña affect NZ?

In New Zealand northeasterly winds tend to become more common during La Niña events, bringing moist, rainy conditions to northeastern areas of the North Island and reduced rainfall to the lower and western South Island. Warmer than average air and sea temperatures can occur around New Zealand during La Niña.

What will NZ summer be like?

Seasonal climate outlook June – August 2021 Temperatures are most likely to be above average in the west and east of the South Island and about equally likely to be above average or near average in all other regions. While cold spells and frosts will occur, as is typical during winter, they may be infrequent.

Will there be a 2021 El Nino or La Niña?

Forecasters say there’s a nearly 90% chance that La Niña conditions will be in place from December 2021 to February 2022. It’s not a total surprise: NOAA announced earlier this month that La Niña conditions had already developed, with an 87% chance they would remain in place during that three-month period.

Is El Nino or La Niña better?

La Niña is also sometimes called El Viejo, anti-El Niño, or simply “a cold event.” La Niña has the opposite effect of El Niño. During La Niña events, trade winds are even stronger than usual, pushing more warm water toward Asia. During La Niña winters, the South sees warmer and drier conditions than usual.

How long does an El Nino last?

9-12 months
El Niño and La Niña episodes typically last 9-12 months. They both tend to develop during the spring (March-June), reach peak intensity during the late autumn or winter (November-February), and then weaken during the spring or early summer (March-June).

How does El Niño affect the weather in New Zealand?

Typical El Niño impacts on New Zealand’s climate New Zealand typically experiences stronger or more frequent winds from the west in summer, leading to an elevated risk of drier-than-normal conditions in east coast areas and more rain than normal in the west—due to the barrier effect of the Southern Alps and main North Island ranges.

How does ENSO affect New Zealand’s climate?

Although ENSO has an important influence on New Zealand’s climate, it accounts for less than 25 percent of the year-to-year variance in seasonal rainfall and temperatures at most locations. Nevertheless, its effects can be significant.

What is the weather like in New Zealand in the winter?

Over the northern and central areas of New Zealand more rain falls in winter than in summer, whereas for much of the southern part of New Zealand, winter is the season of least rainfall. The mountain ranges running along the spine of the South Island divide the country into diverse climate regions.

What is the wettest part of New Zealand?

The West Coast of the South Island is the wettest area of New Zealand, while the Central Otago, on the eastern side of the Southern Alps, is the driest. As well as producing areas of stunning native forest, the high rainfall makes New Zealand an ideal place for farming and horticulture.