Rain welcomed by farmers

Photo / Thinkstock.

Relief - in the form of rain - has been pouring down on farms in some of the north's worst drought-hit areas. And more rain is expected.

After what was the driest spring on record for parts of Northland and Auckland, "solid" rain has been falling over the past week, according to WeatherWatch.

Heavy rain was expected to continue in parts of the North Island today, with MetService issuing a weather warning to Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty.

Rainfall of up to 160mm was likely today and people were advised that rivers and streams could rise quickly, surface flooding was possible and driving conditions could be dangerous.

The rain was caused by a low pulling moist, humid air from the tropics. It was exactly what farmers in Northland, Auckland and Waikato needed, said WeatherWatch.co.nz head weather analyst Philip Duncan.

The rainy period has brought 20-50mm of water to most areas, said Duncan. Rainfall had been particularly high in Whakatane, Whangarei and Whangaparaoa, with 32mm, 48mm and 56mm recorded by MetService between December 16 and 18.

The wet weather pattern was expected to continue across the country until midweek, Duncan said. "Most places will see some sort of rain next week. In Auckland we think the humidity will start to ease about Wednesday, then a southwesterly will arrive on Thursday or Friday." This would bring slightly cooler temperatures.

"As we head into Christmas Eve it should improve, and for Christmas Day it's looking pretty good," he said.