Get weather ready
What could this mean for Southland?
El Niño is likely to bring more rain to Southland, parts of Otago, and western areas of the South Island, while much of the rest of the country may be drier than usual.
In Southland, El Niño typically brings cooler, wetter, and windier summers, with a higher risk of more frequent and larger floods.
Environment Southland’s long-term rainfall and river flow records show that strong past El Niño events were linked to above-average rainfall, especially from February to August.
As El Niño strengthens, rivers also tend to spend more time at high flow levels.
The strongest conditions are forecast for summer 2026–27 and could have significant effects across the region.
Wetter weather can affect agriculture and increase erosion and sediment entering waterways, so Environment Southland is encouraging people to prepare for cooler, wetter, and windier conditions and to have plans in place to manage surface runoff.
El Niño can also bring drought to eastern parts of New Zealand, which may result in more stock than usual being sent south for summer grazing.
How have previous El Niño events played out?
- The 1982-83 El Niño in Southland resulted in cold, wet and windy conditions as an extended spring.
- The 1997-98 El Niño triggered widespread drought nationwide, and was the strongest since 1950.
- The 2015-2016 El Niño contributed to severe drought in north Canterbury
What can you do?
Take some time to find out what El Niño could mean for you – and how to be prepared: We’re encouraging farmers to ensure their teams are following winter grazing plans – and have a ‘Plan B’ for when it cuts up rough.
Wetter than expected conditions can cause increased erosion and sediment runoff into waterways – so it’s crucial plans are in place to manage any surface runoff.
Now is also a good time for households to review their preparedness plans in case of adverse weather or an emergency Environment Southland’s Compliance team are out and about inspecting all winter grazing activities, talking to farmers about site specific situations, and following up issues.
Find more information on preparedness
- Find farm and support services in rural areas – here
- Visit the Connected Murihiku support and advice database - here
- Check out information from MPI on El Niño and how to prepare in rural areas – here.
- Check out your local Civil Defence information – here (with Get Home Ready tips)
- Check out ESNZ’s latest Seasonal Climate Outlook – here
- Check out the Ministry for Primary Industries' advice here and farm checklist here
Get in touch
We’re available 24/7 for urgent environmental incidents - call 0800 76 88 45. The Antenno app is a great way to reach us for non-urgent matters.
Related pages
Support services – If you need help, check out the details on some support services and agencies - here
Maps and data - Check for Southland rainfall levels, river levels, maps and lots of other environmental information. here
Flood warning - Keep an eye on Southland’s Flood Warning information – here
Land management advice - Check out the land management page for tips and advice on winter grazing, nutrient management and more - here
Air quality - Check out Southland’s air quality – here
Our changing climate – information and resources – here
