October 04, 2023

Drought warning with El Nino-dipole combo

Atereano Mateariki Posted On October 4, 2023

NIWA

Rural whanau have been warned to prepare now for a hot and dry summer.

NIWA principal climate scientist Chris Brandolino says the usual effects of El Nino, which is caused by warm ocean water off the coast of South America, will be compounded by an Indian Ocean Dipole, which limits humidity coming down from the northern hemisphere.

It could mean droughts in Te Taitokerau and Te Tairāwhiti.

“People need to kind of think of a plan, you know what they’re going to do. And if they’re going to be out enjoying, you know, the, the outdoors, camping, things like that, just, you know, being sensible,” he says

Dry conditions means people should avoid setting off bush fires this summer.