Region parched, little rain on horizon

Perfect weather yesterday brought out the hungry on Marine Parade, Napier. Many eyes from above were on this couple's fish and chips. Photo / Paul Taylor

Hawke's Bay has been left parched after the summer months, with pastures dry, rivers low and no sign of significant rain.

WeatherWatch.co.nz forecaster Philip Duncan said as the country moved into autumn there were "certainly spots of drought" in the region.

"It's so dry at the moment, particularly in eastern parts of the North Island.

"The bulk of the rain is falling in the south western corner of the country."

There was a chance of showers later this week, but they would not be enough to quench pastures.

"It's looking pretty warm and a bit windy at times, so it's definitely not a positive forecast for the farmers."

There was a chance of a sprinkling tonight and tomorrow afternoon.

The weather for Sunday's Cricket World Cup match between the Black Caps and Afghanistan was looking fine.

Mr Duncan said there were no significant rain events on the horizon.

"I see nothing at all in the next two weeks that indicates any reversal of the high we've got. For some people it could be as long as six weeks before we see rain coming back in again."

Federated Farmers Hawke's Bay provincial president Will Foley said farmers, who had hoped for rain at the end of last month, were becoming increasingly concerned about the dry conditions.

"Everyone's watching the forecast and as far as I know there's no definite rain forecast. Everyone's getting a little bit worried about the prospect of rain."

Hawke's Bay Regional Council senior scientist climate and air Dr Kathleen Kozyniak said the summer had been "a bit of a tease rain-wise".

"River levels are looking low and likewise soil moisture and groundwater levels, although it's patchy and areas lucky enough to score some heavy showers are faring better than others," she said.

"Intermittent showers from mid-January through February amounted to less than half the average rainfall in most places in both months, but at least got us by without too many abstraction bans on waterways - though not without a few nervous moments and a few secret dance moves."