New Zealand records seventh-hottest year, with extreme weather more likely

It has been nearly four years since New Zealand experienced a month with below-average temperatures, researchers say

New Zealand recorded its seventh-hottest year on record in 2020, and marked nearly four years since it experienced a month with below-average temperatures.

The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) has been collecting New Zealand's temperature records since the early 1900s, and said on Tuesday that above-average temperatures were becoming increasingly common.