New Zealand could see double the atmospheric rivers

New Zealand may see a significant increase in extreme weather events called "atmospheric rivers" over the next few decades. These weather systems are long, narrow bands of moisture that can stretch thousands of kilometers. They carry immense amounts of water, sometimes up to 200 times the flow of New Zealand's largest river, the Clutha. Recent heavy rains in New Zealand, including events in Westport and Auckland, have been linked to these atmospheric rivers. Scientists from NIWA have analyzed future scenarios and predict that the country could experience twice as many of these extreme events by the end of the century. In certain areas, this could mean up to 20% more annual rainfall. This increase in atmospheric rivers could lead to more severe flooding and damage, as seen in the recent storms that affected both Auckland and Canterbury. The findings highlight the potential risks New Zealand faces if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise.