Results from our recent poll and latest soil moisture maps show some parts of New Zealand are drying out a little faster than usual for this time of the year.

Around one quarter of the those who responded say conditions are now drying out and rain is needed soon.

31% say rain will be needed in the near future based on current conditions.

But nearly half of those who replied have had enough rain and are looking forward to a dry spell.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says a number of westerly events and large highs have encouraged a drying out phase for some regions. In Australia droughts have now been official declared by the Government in NSW and SA.

Here in New Zealand the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research – a Government Agency and Crown Research Institute – provides soil moisture maps and the public website shows some areas are in fact drier than normal:

– Image above courtesy of the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research / A CRI 100% owned by the NZ public.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz News