The big dry over northern and eastern parts of New Zealand is getting even drier – and hotter. Airflows out of Australia and the sub-tropics, coupled with a large amount of high pressure keeps NZ drier than average in most places.

Only Fiordland sees a little more rain than normal while the West Coast has about average rainfall for this time of year – with plenty of dry days in between, But it’s northern and eastern areas needing the rain – and are least likely to see it. We break it down further.

Also, we have a extensive story in the news section of our website and app asking if a drought is now forming.