NZ drought: Auckland set to break record for longest dry spell

Auckland is about to set a new record for its longest dry spell, as forecasters warn the drought-stricken upper north is headed for "permanent wilting point".

On Saturday, Auckland was predicted to pass the region's previous record - a 39-day run recorded when the North Island last saw widespread drought conditions, in 2013.

A dry spell is defined as consecutive days with less than 1mm of rain and the current record for the greater Auckland area is 39 days.

The lack of rainfall makes for a dusty path for walkers as the summer-dry bites on the slopes of Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill. Photo / Jason Oxenham

With no rain forecast before then, it is almost certain to become 40 days on Saturday, Niwa forecaster Ben Noll said.

The New Zealand Drought Index showed severe meteorological drought is widespread across Northland, Auckland, and northern Waikato.

Meteorological drought has also emerged in northern Gisborne and northern Canterbury.

Much of the rest of the country is unusually dry, except for the western and lower South Island.

Noll said the permanent wilting point, or minimum amount of water in the soil that a plant requires not to wilt or die, was now being approached in Northland, Auckland, and Waikato.

The lack of rainfall is evident for walkers as the summer-dry bites on the slopes of Auckland's One Tree Hill. Photo / NZ Herald

The summer of 2012-13 featured one of the worst droughts in decades for parts of Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay, and the western South Island.

"Soil moisture deficit levels during early 2020 are quite similar to 2013, with Northland's deficits even more severe this year."

Source / Niwa

Noll said the drought has been caused by a blocking ridge of high pressure near the North Island that had helped steer dry, westerly quarter winds from Australia for much of the summer.

The drought would end when soil moisture levels return to normal – however, impacts of drought can continue for some time after that.

Niwa's climate projections indicated that drought is likely to become more frequent and severe in eastern and northern parts of New Zealand in the coming decades.

Meanwhile, Cyclone Uesi is expected to approach the South Island next week, bringing a likelihood for heavy rainfall.

A moist, humid airmass coming with the cyclone could increase the chance for showers and thunderstorms for many parts of the country next week.

Other recent dry spells across the country include:

• Whangārei – 29 days (since January 15), the third longest on record and still ongoing
• Whitianga – 29 days (since January 15), the third longest on record and still ongoing
• Takaka – 46 days (December 20 to February 3), longest on record
• Blenheim – 55 days (since December 20), longest on record and still ongoing
• Cheviot – 49 days (December 21 to February 7), longest on record
• Culverden – 45 days (December 21 to February 3), 2nd longest on record
• Rangiora – 45 days (December 21 to February 3), 2nd longest on record
• Hanmer Forest ­– 40 days (December 26 to February), longest on record