According to the latest climate summary published by New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), July 2024 saw unprecedented weather patterns across the country. On one hand, temperatures soared to record-breaking highs, while on the other, some inland regions experienced severe frost. The national average temperature for July was 9.0°C, which is 0.9°C higher than the 1991-2020 average. Meanwhile, parts of the South Island reported rainfall levels that exceeded normal levels, with Milford Sound recording a record-breaking 96 mm of rainfall on July 26. NIWA attributed the unusual weather patterns to the influence of high-pressure systems, which brought clear skies and ample sunshine to most parts of the country. Regions such as Nelson, Bay of Plenty, Marlborough, and Taranaki enjoyed the most abundant sunshine, while Auckland basked in a warm and stable climate. Despite the exceptional weather, the report highlighted the urgency of adapting to climate change and the need to address extreme weather phenomena, such as frost and heatwaves, which are increasingly affecting the nation.