Earth Sciences New Zealand says El Niño conditions this year are likely to peak "as one of the strongest in recent history", increasing the chances of strong winds and dry conditions in the eastern parts of the country, and stormy weather and potential flooding in the lower western parts of the South Island.
El Nino is continuing to intensify, potentially becoming a 'super El Nino' this September and further strengthening to become the strongest El Nino in history.