- El Niño could mean hotter, windier and drier conditions
- Check water supplies and prepare for fire risk now
- Be ready for anything – from drought to storms
The start of daylight saving is the perfect time for Aucklanders to get ahead of a summer that’s likely to bring windy, dry and unpredictable weather, due to the El Niño weather pattern.
Aucklanders are being urged to get ready for whatever summer throws at them, with Sunday 27 September – the start of daylight saving – a timely reminder to swap winter thinking for summer preparation.
Auckland Council’s “Get Ready” campaign is encouraging households, farmers and rural communities to use the change of season as a prompt to check homes, water supplies, properties and emergency plans before summer arrives.
A strong El Niño weather pattern is expected to influence Auckland’s weather through spring and summer. Earth Sciences New Zealand says the event is likely to be one of the strongest in recent history, with peak conditions expected in late spring or early summer.
For Auckland that could mean stronger winds, more frequent dry spells and increased drying of soils and vegetation especially in the east.
This combination can increase the risk of water shortages, drought and wildfires as summer progresses.
However, El Niño doesn't mean every day will be hot and dry.
Summer can still bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, flooding, strong winds, ex-tropical cyclones and other severe weather.
So, there’s no need to wait for summer to arrive before getting organised; prepare for the sunshine but don't put away your gumboots.
Auckland Council’s General Manager Auckland Emergency Management [AEM] Adam Maggs says the lesson of the 2019–20 drought is worth remembering.
“If you rely on tank water, don’t wait until your tank is waving a white flag. Check your levels now, fix those leaks and book-in a top-up before you’re running on empty.”
He says the start of daylight saving provides a useful annual reminder to get the basics sorted before summer is in full swing.
“The best time to prepare is when you still have water in the tank and the weather is behaving itself, not when the hot, dry spell arrives, your tank is low, and everyone suddenly has the same idea to top-up.”
Chair of Auckland Council's Emergency Management Committee Councillor Alf Filipaina says being prepared is easier than getting caught out.
“Auckland weather can go quickly from ‘where’s my sunscreen?’ to ‘where did that tree come from?’ A few simple jobs now can save a lot of scrambling later.”
“Use the start of daylight saving as your reminder to get prepared. Check your emergency supplies and have a plan if the power goes out or the weather turns nasty.”
Live rural? Get ahead of the dry
For rural and lifestyle-block communities, preparation is particularly important.
El Niño for New Zealand is associated with stronger and more frequent south-westerly winds although no two El Niño events are exactly alike.
People who rely on rainwater should check tank levels, pumps, pipes, gutters and connections, fix leaks and plan for booking in a top-up before your tank starts to get low, as dry conditions are expected to persist.
Farmers and growers should plan for the possibility of prolonged dry conditions, including making sure there is sufficient drinking water for people and animals and consider how they will manage reduced pasture growth and water availability.
Community water supply and tips for farmers and growers
Auckland has 26 permanent community water sites across rural areas, providing a back-up drinking water supply during water shortages. Aucklanders can find their nearest site and information about community water supplies on the main Auckland Council website.
For farmers and growers, the Ministry for Primary Industries has advice for preparing for both dry and wet conditions, including checklists for prolonged dry or wet weather:
Be fire smart
Strong winds combined with heat and drier conditions can also increase the wildfire risk.
Aucklanders should check fire danger before lighting any outdoor fire and find out if restrictions or bans are in place.
You can check whether it is safe to light fires over summer at Check it's Alright and keep an eye on expected fire weather through Fire and Emergency New Zealand's fire weather information.
For those living in rural or semi-rural areas, now is a good time to clear vegetation and other combustible material away from buildings.
Consider keeping sufficient water in reserve in an onsite tank as an important part of rural fire preparedness.
The message from Auckland Emergency Management is simple: don't panic – prepare.
Because whether summer brings drought, wildfire, a scorcher, a storm or all the above, Aucklanders will be better off ready for it.