Photo: Supplied via RNZBy Kate Newton of RNZLa Niña conditions and background climate change trends combined to create the intense rainfall that devastated North Island communities, climate experts say. Photo: Supplied / Earth Sciences New ZealandEarth Sciences New Zealand chief climate scientist Sam Dean said New Zealand's mountainous terrain did not help. "[But] we do believe we are seeing more extreme rainfall events occurring. "The planet has been very warm the last couple of years and it's been a rapid warming... so it's like getting a peek into the future." Warmer air can hold more moisture so you tend to get heavier rainfall... That's the climate change trend."
