Key Takeaways
- Unusually dry conditions, known as hotspots, are affecting eastern areas of both the North and South Islands in New Zealand
- Hotspots have been identified in lower coastal Wairarapa, coastal Hawke’s Bay, North Otago, South Canterbury, and North Canterbury
- The hotspots can indicate where drought may be developing, and are being closely monitored by Earth Sciences New Zealand
- A wetter week is expected, with an easterly flow moving across the North Island and the top of the South Island
- The dry conditions have been caused by persistent westerlies over September, October, and November, which have brought dry air and hot temperatures to the region
Introduction to Hotspots
A hotspot can be an indicator of where drought may be developing, and New Zealand is currently experiencing several hotspots in eastern areas of both the North and South Islands. According to Earth Sciences New Zealand, these hotspots are areas where soils are severely drier than normal, and are being closely monitored for continued dryness or the potential for drought to develop. The hotspots have been identified in lower coastal Wairarapa, coastal Hawke’s Bay, North Otago, South Canterbury, and North Canterbury, and are being tracked by Earth Sciences New Zealand meteorologist Chester Lampkin.
Current Weather Conditions
The current weather conditions in New Zealand are characterized by unusually dry conditions, with rainfall amounts of less than 30 millimeters falling across most of the North Island in the past week. The only exceptions were the Coromandel, Bay of Plenty ranges, and foothills of Hawke’s Bay, which received more significant rainfall. In the South Island, parts of Canterbury, Otago, and Marlborough recorded under 15 mm of rain, exacerbating the dry conditions. Sweltering temperatures have also swept through parts of the country, with Christchurch Airport exceeding 30°C and Hastings hitting 33.0°C on Thursday. These hot temperatures, combined with the dry conditions, have created ideal conditions for hotspots to form and persist.
Causes of Dry Conditions
The dry conditions in New Zealand have been caused by persistent westerlies over September, October, and November. According to Lampkin, these westerlies have brought dry air and hot temperatures to the region, which have contributed to the formation of hotspots. As the westerlies move down the mountain, they heat up and become stronger, creating a perfect storm of dry and hot conditions. This weather pattern is not unique to New Zealand, as Australia has also experienced a prolonged heatwave from the outback to the East Coast, leading to the highest November temperatures in years, including in both Sydney and Brisbane.
Future Weather Outlook
Looking ahead, a wetter week is expected, with an easterly flow moving across the North Island and the top of the South Island, including down to North Canterbury. Rain and cooler temperatures are expected to move in between Tuesday and Thursday, which may help to alleviate some of the dry conditions. However, Lampkin notes that the hotspot in North Canterbury could weaken and potentially dissipate, while the dryness in the North Island is more entrenched. The question remains how much rain will fall in the east of the North Island, and unfortunately, it’s unlikely that Hawke’s Bay will see a significant amount of rain. As a result, the hotspots in the North Island may persist, and continued monitoring will be necessary to track their development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the hotspots in New Zealand are a cause for concern, as they can indicate where drought may be developing. The dry conditions have been caused by persistent westerlies, which have brought dry air and hot temperatures to the region. While a wetter week is expected, the dryness in the North Island is more entrenched, and it’s unlikely that Hawke’s Bay will see a significant amount of rain. As a result, continued monitoring of the hotspots will be necessary to track their development and potential impact on the region. By staying informed about the weather conditions and hotspots, individuals and communities can take steps to prepare for potential droughts and mitigate their effects.
