El Nino effect on NZ spring weather uncertain
Date: 06-Aug-02
Country: NEW ZEALAND
"Although an El Nino event is now underway, its duration and intensity remain uncertain. It is likely to be much weaker than the 1997/98 event," the government agency said.
Warmer than usual or normal temperatures are likely for many areas in the North Island over the next three months, while stream and soil moisture levels are expected to be close to normal.
Normal seasonal rainfall and river flows were anticipated in much of the South Island, it said in its quarterly climate outlook statement.
New Zealand's economy is heavily reliant on weather-dependent pastoral exports, including meat, dairy and wool.
Much of the country's hydro storage is located in the west and south of the South Island with hydro lakes used to generate around two-thirds of the country's electricity.