High fire risk in Northland

Long dry periods are likely to raise Northland's fire risk this summer.

MetService weather ambassador Bob McDavitt said Northland had less rain than normal during spring, leaving the region with low moisture content in the soil.

"Northland has had about 50 per cent of normal rainfall over the last month or so. You can expect about normal rainfall levels this summer and you will also get some long, dry periods," Mr McDavitt said.

"And you can expect some thunderstorms, some possibly tonight or Saturday morning."

Low pressure systems would pass over Northland every three or four weeks bringing rain, but it would not be enough to ease the dry conditions.

"You've already got soil moisture problems and average rainfall will just compound that. It won't really alleviate things unless you get higher rainfall," Mr McDavitt said.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)