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Aucklanders are being urged to prepare for a hotter, windier and drier summer as El Niño increases the risk of water shortages, wildfires and power outages, while severe storms remain possible.
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.
Auckland Council Emergency Management Committee chair Alf Filipaina said households should consider now how they would cope with hot, windy and dry conditions.
He said a little preparation could go a long way, particularly for rural households reliant on tank water or at risk from 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.”
Filipaina said water restrictions were unlikely for households connected to Auckland’s mains supply, but rural properties, lifestyle blocks and homes reliant on tank water should prepare 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.
“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.”
Households can conserve tank water by keeping showers short, turning off taps while brushing their teeth, running only full loads in washing machines and dishwashers, reusing water on gardens, checking for leaks and using buckets instead of hoses. Rural properties should also check supplies for livestock and crops, review feed and fire risks, and consider booking water deliveries early.
Hot, windy and dry conditions significantly increase the risk of wildfires. Although humans cause more than 97 per cent of wildfires, most are preventable.
“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.”
Extended hot weather can affect anyone, but babies, older and disabled people, those with long-term health conditions and pets left in cars are particularly vulnerable. People are advised to stay cool and hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day and watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Air-conditioned libraries, community facilities or shopping centres may offer relief if homes become uncomfortably hot.
MetService will issue heat alerts when unusually high temperatures are expected.
El Niño can also bring strong winds that dry out the land and increase the risk of trees damaging power lines, so households should keep torches, spare batteries and charged power banks ready. A drier summer also does not rule out severe storms, while hard, dry ground may struggle to absorb heavy rain and increase the risk of surface flooding.
Auckland Emergency Management general manager Adam Maggs said 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,” he said.
“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.”
