Mixed month's weather leaves ground parched

Rain is urgently needed in many places throughout Otago after a mixed bag of weather during February, resulting in a drier-than-normal month.

Farmers reported a very dry month with little or no grass growth on non-irrigated pasture throughout most of the region, hydrologist Dave Stewart said.

"Rain is urgently needed to ease the dry conditions."

February started off fine due to high pressure systems, but a series of fronts, troughs and southwest airstreams then brought unsettled weather to the whole region, he said.

"This was the period when most of the rain at all sites was recorded."

Fine weather prevailed later in the month except for a front followed by a southwest airstream on the 25th which spread rain or showers over most of the region, he said.

The month was generally drier than usual and warm throughout Otago with some very high temperatures recorded in inland areas.

"Towards the east coast, temperatures were generally more moderate due to the cooling influence of the sea close by."

In North Otago, rainfall totals were generally about half their average with most occurring from the 9th to the 18th.

Total falls at the indicator sites (average monthly totals in brackets) were:
Waikoura 18mm (36mm) 50% below average; Oamaru Airport 19mm (36mm) 48% below average; Oamaru Town 23mm (49mm) 54% below average; Kauru, the Dasher 30mm (62mm) 51% below average; Islay Downs 30mm (49mm) 38% below average; Palmerston 1mm (41mm) 58% below average.

Notable falls included: 12th, the Dasher 12mm, Islay Downs 10mm; 17-18th, Oamaru Town 11mm, the Dasher 12mm, and Islay Downs 14mm.

Average monthly river flows were well below their long-term averages for February. Irrigation restrictions were in place on all major rivers in this area.

In Central Otago, rainfall totals were below average with all of the rain occurring from the 9th to the 18th.

Total falls were:
Lindis Crossing 21mm (34mm) 40% below average; Cromwell 13mm (25mm) 49% below average; Alexandra 18mm (34mm) 46% below average; Merino Ridges 27mm (31mm) 15% below average; Ranfurly 29mm (31mm) 5% below average; Tima 38mm (49mm) 23% below average.

Significant falls included:
12th Lindis Crossing 15mm, Cromwell 10mm, Alexandra 15mm, Hills Creek 21mm, Merino Ridges 23mm, Ranfurly 20mm, Tima 15mm.

Average monthly river flows remained below their long-term averages throughout February.

In lakes Wanaka, Wakatipu and Hawea and surrounding areas rain was recorded on only the 4th and 6th.