Auckland experienced an intense rainstorm this week that added an unprecedented statistic to the city’s 2023 weather record. Although the torrential downpour did not surpass the deluges of the January 27th storm, experts are beginning to wonder if events like this are becoming more frequent.
According to Auckland Council data, on Tuesday morning, Henderson received approximately 77mm of rain in just two hours. Whenuapai received nearly 70mm of rainfall in just two and a half hours, while Glendene experienced around 66mm of rain in about two hours.
Anthony Fowler, an honorary associate professor at the University of Auckland’s Environment School, analyzed the rainfall data and determined that the amount of rain that fell in one and two hours during Tuesday’s event was a 1-in-5-year occurrence. In comparison, the storm that took place on January 27th had a return period of hundreds of years.
The Impact of Heavy Rain Events on Auckland’s Infrastructure and the Need for Resilience Planning
Additionally, Fowler examined the frequency of rainfall in Albert Park, located in central Auckland. He discovered that the 82mm of rain that fell on Tuesday was a record for the park, dating back to 1863, with a few gaps in data.
These findings suggest that Auckland may be experiencing an increase in the frequency of heavy rain events, which could have significant consequences for the city’s infrastructure, particularly it’s stormwater and drainage systems. This issue is not unique to Auckland, as cities around the world are grappling with the impact of climate change, including more extreme weather events.
It is essential for city planners and policymakers to consider these trends and prepare accordingly to mitigate the potential damage caused by heavy rainfall events. To mitigate the potential damage caused by heavy rainfall events, policymakers, and city planners could invest in better drainage and stormwater systems, develop early warning systems, and ensure infrastructure can withstand extreme weather conditions.
As extreme weather events become more frequent, it is crucial to take action to protect our communities and ensure that our cities are resilient to the impacts of climate change.
