New Zealand Weekly Fire Danger Forecasts
NOTE: ON HOLD FOR THIS FIRE SEASON
In addition to monthly seasonal fire danger forecasts, Scion also produces weekly fire danger forecasts that appear as a short segment during the weather on TVNZ’s 1NEWS. This is part of Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s “Check it’s alright before you light” campaign. These weekly forecasts begin when fire dangers start to peak in summer (usually just prior to Christmas) and extend until fire potential decreases (typically mid March).
The forecasts are released on a Friday morning to TVNEWS presenters and rural fire managers. It covers the expected weather and fire danger conditions for the weekend and into the following week, including information on the fire season status in different parts of the country and key fire prevention messages for the public.
Preparing the weekly forecasts involves interpreting regional weather information from several sources (including NIWA and MetService) and analysing how these are influencing predicted fire danger conditions.