WEATHER AND CLIMATE
The weather is the particular atmospheric conditions and events at any one time.
The climate is the average and the range of conditions over several decades.
New Zealand
NIWA: National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
On NIWA’s Climate and Weather pages you’ll find Frequently Asked Questions about climate and weather, together with links to weather and climate websites around the world. It includes information on common weather terms, clouds, climate change and extreme forms of weather.
Te Ara – the encyclopedia of New Zealand
Try TeAra for reliable information on the weather and climate in New Zealand, including details of storms, floods and other extreme weather events, and the Natural Hazards and Disasters pages.
NZ MetService
Do you want to know what the weather’s like in Auckland today, or need a long-range forecast for Nelson to plan your holiday? MetService performs a range of weather-related services for New Zealanders, including weather forecasting, issuing weather warnings and conducting research.
El Niño and La Niña
El Niño and La Niña refer to weather patterns that occur periodically across the Pacific Ocean. They are both characterised by variable levels of winds and rainfall. NIWA: National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research has information on how El Niño and La Niña weather patterns affect New Zealand’s weather.
General Climate and Weather Information
WeatherWizKids
Simple explanations for weather phenomena from meteorologist Crystal Wicker.
World Meteorological Organization
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations and provides the framework for international co-operation on weather and climate-related issues. Find out about global weather systems, climate change and research around the world.
Weather and Human Activity
Information on extreme weather conditions and their effects on human activities from the BBC Schools website.
Books:
Junior Non-Fiction
Robin Birch has a series of books on climate and weather: 
Also:
Adult Non-Fiction
Many other books can be found at 551.5 and 551.6 or try a keyword search on our catalogue using the word: Weather or Climate.