New Zealand’s Summer Set to Close on a Rainy Note New Zealand is heading into a summer that climate scientists are calling a “season of two personalities.” While large parts of the country are expected to experience above-average temperatures and extended dry spells, the upper North Island is forecast to finish the season with increased rainfall, potentially disrupting the otherwise hot and dry trend. According to Earth Sciences New Zealand’s latest summer outlook, delivered by principal scientist Chris Brandolino, much of the country faces mounting concerns around heat, humidity, and dryness. However, late-summer rain is likely to bring a dramatic shift for Auckland, Northland, Coromandel, Waikato, and the Bay of Plenty-regions that often bear the brunt of extreme weather swings. A Summer of Extremes Across New Zealand Brandolino describes the 2025 summer pattern as a tale of contrasting climate influences. On one hand, marine heatwaves are raising ocean and air temperatures. On the other, these same warm seas are increasing the likelihood of heavy rainfall events, particularly toward the second half of summer. Above-Average Temperatures Dominate There is a 65% chance of above-average temperatures across the upper North Island, covering key population centres such as Auckland, Northland, and Waikato. The upper South Island and western regions of the North Island also sit at an elevated 55% probability of warmer-than-usual weather. Already, several regions have recorded temperatures exceeding 30°C, a signal that heat will remain a dominant feature throughout the season. While brief cool snaps-particularly in December-may offer temporary relief in the South Island, they are not expected to reverse the broader warming trend. Marine Heatwaves Driving Humidity A critical driver of this summer’s conditions is the presence of significant to severe marine heatwaves around New Zealand’s coastline. Ocean temperatures off the northwestern upper North Island are running three to four degrees above normal, sitting near 20°C, far higher than typical late-spring or early-summer levels. Warm seas transfer heat into the atmosphere, meaning night-time temperatures stay higher, and humidity increases, making conditions feel more oppressive-especially across the North Island. According to Brandolino, such ocean warmth is “highly unusual” for this time of year. Dryness Remains the Biggest National Threat While pockets of the country will receive rainfall, Brandolino warns that dryness remains the overwhelming national theme. Extended Dry Spells Likely Large sections of western and lower North Island, along with substantial parts of the South Island, are expected to face prolonged dry periods. Last summer’s dry conditions in these regions are still a concern, with soil moisture and water storage levels already under stress in some areas. Short-term rainfall may offer localized relief, but it is not expected to reset seasonal dryness, especially in agricultural and drought-prone regions. For farmers, growers, and water managers, this combination of higher evaporation, warmer nights, and limited rainfall presents a serious challenge. Livestock health, crop irrigation demands, and wildfire risk could all intensify as summer progresses. Upper North Island to Break the Dry Pattern Unlike much of the country, the upper North Island is expected to buck the dry trend, particularly in late summer. Warmer Seas Increase Heavy Rain Potential Warmer oceans hold more moisture, leading to greater water vapour in the atmosphere. When weather systems activate this moisture, they can produce intense rainfall events. Brandolino explains that while early summer may stay relatively dry, the “dice are loaded” for significant rain events later in the season. This means Auckland, Northland, and surrounding regions could see normal to above-normal rainfall as summer draws to a close. This late surge of rain may help ease drought stress in northern regions but could also raise the risk of flooding, slips, and infrastructure disruption, particularly in already urbanised areas. What This Means for Communities and Businesses The Indian Weekender understands that New Zealand’s diverse communities-especially migrant populations, farmers, and small business owners-are especially sensitive to seasonal weather shifts. Conclusion New Zealand’s summer is shaping up to be a climate balancing act-marked by heat, humidity, and widespread dryness, but ending with a potentially rainy twist for the upper North Island. As marine heatwaves continue to influence both air temperatures and rainfall patterns, the nation faces a season defined by contrast and climate uncertainty. Read More: https://www.indianweekender.co.nz/news/summer-set-to-close-on-a-rainy-note-for-much-of-nz

India’s First Indigenous Driverless Car Unveiled by WIRIN Bengaluru has once again positioned itself at the forefront of India’s technological revolution. In a groundbreaking achievement, Wipro, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and RV College of Engineering have jointly unveiled WIRIN - India’s first fully indigenous driverless car prototype. The milestone, first reported by The Indian Express, marks a major leap for India’s homegrown capabilities in autonomous mobility. A video of Sri Satyatmatheertha Swamiji of Uttaradi Matha seated calmly inside the car as it navigates the RV College campus has gone viral, offering the public a first glimpse of India’s autonomous future. A Six-Year Journey Toward Autonomous Mobility The WIRIN Collaboration The driverless car is the result of six years of joint research under the Wipro-IISc Research and Innovation Network (WIRIN). Launched in 2019, WIRIN was created to push the boundaries of emerging technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and 5G-enabled Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication. Unlike many global autonomous vehicle projects that rely heavily on imported components or foreign algorithms, WIRIN’s prototype is entirely built in India. This includes the perception systems, computing modules, localization technology, and decision-making architecture. Such an achievement sets a precedent for indigenous innovation and reduces India’s reliance on overseas automotive tech. Academic and Industry Synergy The project thrives on the synergy between academia and industry. Wipro’s deep experience in autonomous systems provides the engineering backbone, while IISc brings cutting-edge research capability. Students and faculty at RV College contribute hands-on design, development, and testing support. The unveiling ceremony saw the presence of key leaders, including Ramachandra Budhihal, Global Head of Autonomous Systems at Wipro. Their collective involvement highlights the growing importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in solving India’s mobility challenges. Mapping India’s Unique Road Challenges India’s road ecosystem is vastly different from those in the US, Europe, or Japan. Autonomous driving algorithms must navigate: Unpredictable traffic patterns Potholes and uneven surfaces Stray animals and pedestrians Mixed-lane usage Minimal lane markings Dense urban congestion The WIRIN team is currently fine-tuning the car’s performance to handle complex Indian road conditions, making it one of the few AV programs globally designed from scratch for such environments. A Major Boost for India’s Tech Independence As global automakers race toward self-driving technology, India’s ability to build indigenous solutions becomes vital. The WIRIN car demonstrates that Indian institutions can compete with global players in advanced automotive research, helping reduce import dependence while enabling new opportunities for startups and local manufacturing. Current Status and Testing Phase The prototype is currently undergoing rigorous testing. Researchers are refining: Environment mapping Real-time perception accuracy Safe braking and obstacle avoidance V2X communication reliability On-road decision-making models Only after thorough validation on public roads will the car move closer to commercialization. EV & Autonomous Education Expanding Such educational programs will be crucial in sustaining India’s autonomous tech momentum. As Indian cities prepare for intelligent infrastructure and EV integration, initiatives like WIRIN serve as a strong foundation for the nation’s entry into next-gen mobility solutions. FAQs What is WIRIN? WIRIN stands for the Wipro-IISc Research and Innovation Network, a collaboration focused on advanced research in robotics, AI, machine learning, and 5G-based vehicle communication. Is the WIRIN driverless car fully indigenous? Yes. The prototype has been developed entirely in India using local research, algorithms, and hardware systems. Is the car ready for public use? Not yet. The vehicle is still in testing mode, undergoing calibration for diverse Indian road conditions. Which institutions are part of the project? The collaboration includes Wipro, IISc Bengaluru, and RV College of Engineering. https://www.indianweekender.co.nz/news/indias-first-indigenous-driverless-car