Stand By For The Heat And Humidity Of La Nina

A Panasonic heat pump in NZ homes or businesses could well be the most popular appliance in the country this summer. To be specific, it’s the cooling function on that Panasonic heat pump that will be popular. La Niña conditions are forecast, and that means the prospect of a hotter than average summer. Much of that heat won’t be dry; La Niña is associated with high humidity and NIWA, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, says that uncomfortable humidity is definitely in the forecast for New Zealand’s summer of 2020. Stand by for a sticky one and make sure your heat pump is ready to go.

La Niña is one of the three phases of the weather occurrence known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. El Niño is the other phase, and is generally warmer than La Niña, while the third phase is a neutral one. La Niña happens every three to five years and although it is cooler than El Niño, it still packs a high-temperature punch.

Once it becomes established, La Niña generally creates above-average ocean temperatures and air temperatures for New Zealand. High pressure hangs around to the east of the country during summer, which causes more northeasterly winds than usual. Northern and eastern parts of New Zealand tend to be wetter than usual during a La Niña summer, while southern and western areas are drier and more prone to drought.

La Niña might bring more rain and humidity this summer but it could also deliver good news for surfers on our eastern beaches. That’s because the stronger north-easterly winds generated to the north of New Zealand lead to larger waves on the north coast from Cape Reinga to East Cape. There is the prospect of more storms, too. NIWA says there has been increased storm activity for the north coast during La Niña in past years. The sequence of storms they’ve observed over the years features a short time interval between significant events. This can result in increased beach erosion because the beach does not have enough time to recover before the next storm comes along.

Off land, marine heatwaves have often occurred during previous La Niña events, and the warmer seas contribute to warmer temperatures on land. According to NIWA, this is what we can expect in New Zealand until early 2021. Their outlook is for marine heatwave conditions to develop in the oceans around New Zealand. Air temperatures will likely be above average throughout the country as a result, and La Niña’s infamous humidity should also make its presence felt. The cooling function on that Panasonic heat pump will be needed, and this Auckland heat pump installer believes it’s a good time to get one before La Niña arrives. Her visit will be brief but memorable, and she’ll bring a lot of climactic baggage with her.

Clare Louise