El Niño

What is El Niño?

El Niño is one phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a naturally occurring climate phenomenon centred on the tropical Pacific Ocean. The opposite phase is called La Niña.

During an El Niño, sea surface temperatures in parts of the central and eastern tropical Pacific become warmer than average. These changes are accompanied by atmospheric shifts, including changes in air pressure, trade winds, cloud cover, and rainfall patterns.

Although El Niño originates thousands of kilometres away from New Zealand, it can significantly influence our climate by altering atmospheric circulation patterns across the Pacific basin.

New Zealand tends to experience stronger and more frequent winds from the southwest through to northwest from late winter through to early autumn during an El Niño event. This typically brings drier than usual conditions for eastern and northern areas of both islands, and wetter than usual conditions for the western and lower South Island.

Click here to track it live

Public health risks

Public health risks from an El Niño this spring and summer could include:

• heat waves and extreme heat
• drought and drinking water shortages
• wildfires and smoke
• flooding
• strong wind.

El Niño effects will vary depending on where you live, its strength and the time of year

For more information on health risks click here

Wildfire risk

Fire and Emergency urges New Zealanders to prepare for elevated wildfire risk this summer.

Our changing climate, land use, and weather patterns will increase the risk of wildfires. Find out what you can do to minimise the risk and possible effects on you and your neighbours.

More information here

Water Conservation

Forecasts suggest El Niño conditions may bring drier weather to the Bay of Plenty this spring and summer. Learn how to prepare with water conservation tips here