A warmer, windier and drier summer is on the cards for Auckland and wider New Zealand – especially in the east of the country. No need to panic, but now's a good time to prepare.
Aucklanders are being encouraged to get summer-ready, with El Niño conditions expected to influence New Zealand's weather over the coming months.
Earth Sciences New Zealand has confirmed El Niño conditions have arrived, increasing the likelihood of a hotter, windier and drier summer for Auckland, especially in the east. That means potentially less rain, higher temperatures, stronger winds and increased wildfire risk.
Now is a good time to think about how your household would cope if conditions became hot, windy and dry to understand what that could mean for you.
Chair of Auckland Council's Emergency Management Committee, Councillor Alf Filipaina, says a little preparation now can go a long way, especially for those who live in rural areas and rely on tank water or could be affected by wildfires.
"With El Niño, summer effects may arrive quickly this year and we want people to think ahead so they don’t get caught out. Preparing doesn't need to be complicated. A few simple checks and a plan for your household can make a real difference."
So, what do Aucklanders need to prepare for?
Have a rural property? Is your water plan up to scratch?
If you’re connected to Auckland’s mains water supply, water restrictions are unlikely this summer. However, rural properties, lifestyle blocks and homes that rely on tank water should think ahead for drier conditions.
That means checking tanks, booking ahead for water tanker delivery, making sure pumps and pipework are not leaking, planning for livestock and crops, reviewing feed supplies and making sure your fire-risk plan is in place.
Check it before you need it
Do you live rurally, rely on tank water, or have a bach, beach house or holiday spot that’s been closed up since last summer?
Now's the perfect excuse for a reconnaissance mission.
Check tanks, gutters, hoses and any other infrastructure that may have spent winter quietly plotting against your summer plans.
If you rely on tank water, now is the time to assess whether your current storage is enough, or if additional capacity could improve your water security during dry periods. It's also important to ensure you book a tank fill well before your tank gets too low – a dry summer means higher demand for tank refills. Also, consider booking ahead for a water tanker delivery. If it gets dry, demand for delivery may be at a premium!
Small changes can save a lot of water
To make your tank water go further, a few everyday habits can make a big difference:
- keep showers short (five minutes) and turn taps off while brushing your teeth
- choose water-efficient appliances where possible
- only run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads
- collect water while the shower warms up and use it on the garden
- check for leaks, because even small drips can waste thousands of litres over time
- rural and lifestyle-block properties, and those not on town water, check water supplies, livestock and crops, feed, fire risks and plan for whatever the weather might bring and consider booking ahead for water tanker delivery (if you think it will be needed)
- use a bucket to wash the car and sweep driveways instead of hosing them down.
Don't give fire a chance
Hot, windy, dry weather significantly increases wildfire risk.
The bad news is over 97 per cent of wildfires are caused by humans.
The good news is that most wildfires are preventable – however that relies on us.
Before lighting any outdoor fire, check the rules at checkitsalright.nz and stay up to date with any fire restrictions that may have been introduced in your area. Outdoor fires and BBQs may be restricted or banned – check rules before firing up the BBQ at the beach or in a regional park.
Keep your cool
Extended periods of hot weather can affect anyone, however babies, older people, pets in cars, disabled people and those living with long-term health conditions are often most at risk.
When temperatures rise:
- stay in the shade or somewhere cool
- drink plenty of water
- avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day
- watch for signs of heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
If your home becomes uncomfortably hot, consider spending time at a location that is air-conditioned, such as a library, community facility or shopping centre.
MetService will issue heat alerts when unusually high temperatures are expected, so keep an eye on forecasts or download the MetService app. You can also sign up for notifications for extreme fire danger.
El Niño brings strong winds
While you're preparing for summer, think about wind too. W significantly increase the drying effect on land and if the wind is very strong, can also increase the chance of trees impacting power lines and causing power outages, so make sure you know where the torch is (before you need it), stock up on spare batteries and keep power banks charged.
Summer storms are also possible
Higher sea surface temperatures can significantly influence out climate resulting in wetter than usual conditions in the west and the potential for summer storms. It’s important to remember that the drier summer doesn’t rule out bouts of severe wet weather.
And if the ground is baked hard and dry, it can struggle to absorb heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of surface flooding when the rain does arrive.
Get prepared now and enjoy summer!
Auckland Emergency Management General Manager Adam Maggs says preparing for El Niño is less about worrying and more about understanding your risk.
"Many of the potential impacts associated with El Niño are managed by agencies such as Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Health New Zealand and Watercare," says Mr Maggs.
"Summer preparation isn't just about getting the barbecue ready. Think about how you'll cope if it gets windy and very hot, with the potential of summer storms rolling through from the west.
"Make sure you know where you'll get water, how you'll keep your home cool, and what you'll do if someone in your household needs extra help in the heat.
"El Niño can bring windier and drier conditions, but it doesn't mean Auckland is off the hook for severe weather. We may still see summer storms and ex-tropical cyclones later in the season.
"Plan ahead and prepare. A few simple jobs now can save a lot of stress when summer really turns up."
For information on making an emergency plan and preparing for summer hazards, visit the Auckland Emergency Management website.