Wellington experienced a challenging start to the year with below-average temperatures, described by locals as "a buzz kill", "crap", and "pretty trash". According to meteorologist Clare O'Connor, "Digging back into our records, going back to 1980, this is one of the longer runs of below average daily temperatures that we've had in the summer months." However, NIWA forecasts a warmer and drier autumn for parts of New Zealand.
Seasonal definitions are based on Earth's tilted axis, affecting how sunlight reaches different regions. NIWA states, "This tilt means that the sun's rays don't hit Earth equally." The four-season year is typical in mid-latitudes, while equatorial regions experience minimal variation, and polar areas face extremes.
In New Zealand, meteorological seasons are commonly used, grouping months based on temperature cycles. January is the warmest month, July the coldest, with summer spanning December to February and winter from June to August. Some regions, like Scandinavia, define seasons thermally, based on temperature thresholds.
Climate scientist Professor James Renwick noted, "There's no right answer," regarding seasonal boundaries. For climate forecasting, month-by-month analysis is preferred over strict seasonal definitions.
New Zealand's maritime climate is characterized by variability, with conditions ranging from subtropical in the north to temperate in the south. The phrase "four seasons in one day" captures this unpredictability. Renwick explained, "The fact that there's a big continent over the south pole keeps the weather a bit spring-like all year."
Long-term trends indicate longer summers and shorter winters. Global temperatures have risen by about 1 degree Celsius in the past century. In New Zealand, the average annual temperature increased by 1.26 °C from 1909 to 2022, with 2022 being the warmest year recorded.
GNS principal scientist Dr. Nick Cradock-Henry highlighted, "Multi-generational farmers will tell you they remember walking on frozen puddles as a child, and now, it's rare to get any significant freezing event over the winter." The changing climate affects agriculture, requiring adaptations such as planting earlier or shifting locations.
Some growers are exploring alternative crops like peanuts, avocados, and macadamia nuts. The Maramataka, a traditional Māori lunar calendar, is being revitalized to guide activities in response to climate change. Te Kahuratai Moko-Painting emphasized the importance of understanding environmental indicators, or tohu, for navigating the changing climate.
Source: 1News