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A climate scientist says climate change and long-term weather systems are behind the recent extreme flooding in the country – including the ravaged Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
Photo: Eastland Network
MetService has upgraded its forecast to the area to a “red alert” – reserved only for severe weather events. An additional 200 millimetres are being forecast for this evening.
Dr Jim Salinger stated that the country was experiencing its third hottest warm year on record and that the recent spate record-breaking rain events is something Aotearoa had never seen.
He said that temperatures were on average one degree warmer than they used be. When that happens, the atmosphere holds more moisture, which can lead into larger downpours.
Gisborne’s torrential rains are being considered to be a one-on-100 event.
“Just the number times we get the so-called “one in 100 year events” means that [it is based on]What [the]Average climate used to be – but it’s warmed.
“Clearly global warming is in the mix, we’ve got La Niña as well which brings down warm air over New Zealand. And so it goes.
He also said that Otago temperatures hit 26s yesterday, which is not normal for the end March.
23 March 2022, Flooded river in Te Puia Springs Valley. Gisborne region
Photo: Frank Pahina
Climate change is the challenge of this generation – Kiritapu Allan
Allan, Emergency Management Minister and East Coast MP for the East Coast Kiritapu, said that climate change was a very real problem that impacted New Zealanders on a “very visceral” level.
She stated that Climate Change Minister James Shaw was leading work in climate change adaptation as part reform of the resource management act.
“We know coastal properties are vulnerable. It is something we must work with and adapt our behaviours and the ways that we live.
“That’s one of the biggest challenges we, as generations, have to confront.”
