Women in Meteorology

Celebrating the increased participation of women in meteorology

By Lisa Murray Communication Meteorologist

International Women’s Day is held every year in March and to mark this occasion we want to give a big shout out to all the great women working here at MetService. Since 2001 we have trained 34 women and 30 men to be World Meteorology Organisation (WMO) qualified meteorologists. Twenty years ago the statistics were very different.

Tropical Cyclone Winston loses an eye!

24 Feb 2016 update

By MetService Communications Meteorologist Lisa Murray

Please note: all times listed in the text below are New Zealand local time

Infrared satellite image of Tropical Cyclone Winston at 11.00am today (Wednesday 24thFebruary). Note that the “eye” of the TC can no longer be seen as it is covered by cloud, this happens as the TC becomes less intense.

Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston 21 Feb 2016 update

By MetService Communications Meteorologist Lisa Murray

Please note: all times listed in the text below are New Zealand local time

Category 5 Severe Tropical Cyclone (TC) Winston was the strongest category 5 tropical cyclone to make landfall over Fiji. TC Winston made landfall in Viti Levu, Fiji earlier yesterday evening. Prior to landfall the estimated central pressure was 915hPa, with maximum winds near 230km/h.

Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Winston tracking across FIJI

By MetService meteorologist Emma Blades

All times are in New Zealand local time.

Today

Tropical Cyclone Winston was upgraded to a category five cyclone last night. This morning the centre tracked near to the Fiji Island of Vanua Balavu, where average wind speeds of 185km/h were recorded. Wind speeds even closer to the centre of the cyclone are estimated to average 220km/h, with momentary gusts likely to reach 315km/h.