KEY POINTS:
February has been extremely dry, and March is predicted to produce more of the same, weather forecasters say.
MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said much of the country had seen long, dry periods in the past few weeks.
"Whangaparoa Peninsula is at the top of the list with no rain at all since 8am on February 7. That's 484 rain-free hours to noon on Tuesday." Mr McDavitt said.
Taupo and Nelson were next in the dryness stakes, with 447 and 366 rainless hours respectively.
Five anticyclones had passed over the country during February, and the sixth was coming later this week, Mr McDavitt said.
"These anticyclones have brought extended dry periods, with 35 per cent of our rainfall network recording no rainfall for durations of more than ten days.
"Grass and pasture becomes dormant after three weeks with no rain."
He said the seasonal forecast suggested March would bring more anticyclones.
- NZPA
