Water bans, hose restrictions, fire bans, extreme fire risks, drought zones have all become too common for much of the country in recent times and now rivers are also a focus.

Continuing dry weather in the south of the country is impacting on river levels.

Hydrologists, scientists, emergency managers and compliance officers in Southland are meeting this week to assess the situation.No rain is expected in the area until at least Friday.

The Aparima River at Dunrobin is one of the most severely affected of the major waterways – running at a 16 year low.

Environment Southland says the situation could worsen to a 25 year low by the end of next week if rain doesn’t come.

The forecast for the weekend and early next week is more promising with a chance of rain however the amounts are looking variaible with the latest data coming through.

Many streams and rivers are running at low to very low levels nationally and there’s hope that rain-bearing systems next week will help alleviate the situation.

Homepage image of the Aparima River, where low levels are a real concern.

WeatherWatch