New Zealand marine heatwave looms following warmest winter on record

Temperatures nearly two degrees above average have been recorded, months before the hottest part of the season

Climate scientists are warning New Zealand is on the brink of a marine heatwave after recording temperatures nearly two degrees above average in coastal waters off the North Island.

Forecasters at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) said a marine heatwave is building, with above-average temperatures reported throughout October, following a record warm winter.