El Niño has officially been declared, but what does that actually mean for our summer here in Wānaka and across the South Island?

We’re joined by Chris Brandolino, Principal Scientist at Earth Sciences New Zealand, to break down what El Niño is, why it matters, and the kind of weather we could see over the coming months.

Chris explains how warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific can influence New Zealand’s weather, and why the strength of an El Niño event can make a big difference. With conditions potentially developing into a very strong El Niño, we could see a noticeable shift towards stronger winds and more persistent weather patterns.

For the Queenstown Lakes District and parts of the South Island, that could mean periods of heavy rain and an increased flooding risk, while eastern parts of Otago may experience much drier conditions.

Chris also talks about when El Niño is likely to peak, what locals should be preparing for, and why people relying on tank water or working in weather-dependent industries should be keeping a close eye on the months ahead.

So, are we in for a wet and wild summer, or could parts of Otago be heading the other way? Chris Brandolino gives us the outlook and what to watch for.