More regions to face drought declarations
Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson says the present weather conditions remain challenging for farmers.
Temperatures are likely (45-50% chance) to be near average for remaining regions of New Zealand.
October–December rainfall is likely (45-50% chance) to be in the near normal range for the north and west of the North Island, and likely (35-40% chance) to be normal or below normal in the east of the North Island. Normal or above normal rainfall is likely (40% chance) in all South Island regions.
Soil moisture levels and river flows are most likely (40-45% chance) to be in their near normal ranges for all regions of New Zealand.
Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty
Most likely outcomes:
• Temperatures are most likely (50% chance) to be in the near average range.
• Rainfall totals are most likely (45% chance) to be in the near normal range.
• Soil moisture levels and river flows are most likely (45% chance) to be in the near normal range.
Central North Island, Taranaki, Wanganui, Manawatu, Wellington
• Temperatures are most likely (50% chance) to be near average.
• Rainfall totals, soil moisture levels and river flows are all most likely (45-50% chance) to be in the near normal range.
Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa
• Temperatures are about equally likely (35-40% chance) to be above average or near average.
• Rainfall totals are about equally likely (35-40% chance) to be in the below normal or normal range.
• Soil moisture levels and river flows are most likely (40% chance) to be in the near normal range.
Nelson, Marlborough, Buller
• Temperatures are most likely (45% chance) to be in the near average range.
• Rainfall totals are equally likely (40% chance) to be in the near normal or above normal range.
• Soil moisture levels and river flow are most likely (40% chance) to be in the normal range.
West Coast, Alps and foothills, inland Otago, Southland
• Temperatures are equally likely (40% chance) to be in the near average or below average range.
• Rainfall totals are equally likely (40% chance) to be in the near normal or above normal range.
• Soil moisture levels and river flows are most likely (45% chance) to be in the near normal range.
Coastal Canterbury, east Otago
• Temperatures are equally likely (40% chance) to be in the near average or below average range.
• Rainfall totals are equally likely (40% chance) to be in the near normal or above normal range.
• Soil moisture levels and river flows are most likely (40% chance) to be in the near normal range.
