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La Nina is here.
We are already in a La Nina, say weather experts.
Lisa Murray, MetService communications meteorologist, says we are officially in a La Nina. NIWA also confirmed to Rural News we are already in a La Nina.
Murray told Rural News usually the effects of a La Nina are not seen until late summer or early autumn.
But a big “blocking” high had been lingering for two weeks, she said last week. It was expected to stay put for another week before slowly moving off.
“In the farming community everything was too wet not long ago, just before October. The farmers couldn’t even get their equipment onto the land because it was sinking, it was so soggy. Now to this very quick drying… the weather pattern changed at the beginning of October and suddenly we have these great big ridges.”
Most areas are dryer than normal except a few North Island eastern regions.
La Nina can bring various weather patterns, but generally the summers temperatures are a higher than normal. The South Island has already had heatwaves - five days in a row when the temperature is 5° Celsius above average.
“We’ve had two of those already in the South Island. This is only in November – we are not even in summer yet.”
With forecasters advising El Niño conditions will develop through winter and strengthen into spring and summer, Ballance Agri-Nutrients is encouraging farmers and growers to think ahead about nutrient planning and be prepared to work around challenging weather conditions.
Cyclone Vaianu is continuing its track south towards the Bay of Plenty, bringing with it destructive winds, heavy rain, and large swells, says Metservice.
Recent weather events in the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne/Tairawhiti, and Canterbury have been declared a medium-scale adverse event.
Sheep and beef farmers in Hawke's Bay are being urged to keep a close eye on the wells that supply water to their stock.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
DairyNZ deputy chair Cameron Henderson has been re-appointed unopposed for another term.
Farms across the upper North Island are trialling different pasture mixes as part of a research programme that aims to build greater resilience into farming systems.
Election years are always a concerning time for farmers, according to DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown.
The Ballance Farm Environment Awards are coming to the West Coast of the South Island.
Most dairy regions around the country have had a pretty good season so far says Tracy Brown.
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