Region needs a 'good, long soaking'

Otago's window for receiving enough rainfall to ease the dry conditions and provide needed grass growth, is closing fast.

The region was in desperate need of "good, long, soaking rain", hydrological consultant Dave Stewart said.

"We need rain. By mid-April or so, it's too late. If anything happens, it needs to happen pretty quick," he said.

However, there was little prospect of significant rain on the horizon.

National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) said in its seasonal climate outlook, that in the east of the South Island below-normal stream flows and soil moisture were likely through to May.

Rainfall would be normal to below normal.

"We need a good easterly-quarter soaking, but it is not very likely," Mr Stewart said.

The region was in its seventh month of below-average rainfall and the accumuled effects weres starting to show, he said.

Eastern rivers such as the Taieri, Kakanui, and Shag h all reached low flows and remained there.

"South Otago is not so badly off. The rest of the region is really dry."

The benefits of the odd day's rainfall the region had experienced in recent weeks had been wiped out by strong winds, he said.

While the dry weather had resulted in a total fire ban in Dunedin, the city's water supplies were holding up.

Dunedin City Council water and waste services manager John Mackie said all storage was full and there were good flows and yields in the supply's catchments.

- rebecca.fox@odt.co.nz