Strengthening El Niño to bring unsettled spring weather
Friday 31 July 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Earth Sciences New Zealand
An intensifying El Niño pattern is expected to cause unseasonably windy weather, temperature fluctuations, and changing rainfall across New Zealand this spring. Scientists suggest there is a 90% chance the event will reach very strong intensity, with peak conditions likely occurring during the 2026-27 summer.