New Zealand prepares for marine heatwave as scientists note warmest winter on record

New Zealand is on verge of a marine heatwave after recording temperatures nearly two degrees above aver in coastal waters off rth Island, climate scientists have warned.

According to National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), a marine heatwave is developing with above-aver temperatures recorded throughout October, following a record warm winter. A 'marine heatwave' is an extended period of extremely warm ocean temperatures above 90th percentile, that can extend up to thousands of kilometres.

RE | New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern assures of 'Covid-free' meat exports, probe launched

In New Zealand, warmest seas are rth of rth Island where ocean temperatures are believed to be 1.6 degrees Celsius above vember monthly aver while sea temperatures off coast of rthland are between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, temperatures in or parts of country were between 0.7 and 1.1 degrees above aver, NIWA meteorologist Ben ll informed. 

New Zealand is in middle of a La Nina year which is often associated with warmer sea temperatures on both sides of Tasman.

RE | New Zealand's Brent Impey quits as SANZAAR chairman

According to Guardian reports, ll said that nine times out of 10, rthland’s sea temperatures are cooler than current phase for this time of year which makes recent observation quite unusual. He ded that region was t even at peak of sea surface temperatures which typically occur over January and February. 

development of marine heatwave came after climate experts in country gave ir predictions for coming summer. y predicted summers to be long, hot and dry, with an increased risk of bushfires and drought. As per reports, High-pressure systems in October brought more sunshine, warmer temperatures and less wind than rmal. This pattern led to warming of sea surface and prevented cooler water underneath from mixing to top, informed ll.

RE | US paid for ambassor to New Zealand to fly on private jet

2018 marine heatwave

Furrmore, country experienced hottest summers in 2018, largely propelled by a marine heatwave that saw sea temperatures rise by as much as six degrees in some areas. aver ocean temperature during January that year was 20.3 degrees Celcius more than three degrees above rmal.

warm seas led to a significant influx of fish and marine life usually found only in tropical climates, including Queensland groper, whose usual habitat is Great Barrier Reef. marine heatwave in 2018 also led to an increase in land-based animals, including an explosion in rodent population.

RE | New Zealand Police introduces specially designed Hijab to encour women to join forces