More accurate weather forecasting through the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research’s (NIWA) website will be available this month.

The site will include daily forecasts, animated videos detailing every national park, potential weather hazards, as well as river flow data to facilitate safer river crossings.

DOC has partnered with NIWA to ensure outdoor users will benefit from the new website.

“DOC wants to enable people to make safe decisions about getting outdoors on public conservation lands and water,” said media advisor Herb Christophers. “The new forecasting has improved benefits including high resolution weather modelling with accuracy to within 1.5km, allowing for more detailed forecasts in national parks and forests.”

Severe weather watches and warnings provided by MetService will still be available from the DOC and NIWA weather websites.