The little rain that fell yesterday has done little to alleviate the risk of fire and drought in Otago.
In central Dunedin, 0.6mm of rain fell, and in Oamaru 1.6mm.
None was recorded in Alexandra, Queenstown or Wanaka. Temperatures reached 29degC in Central Otago and moderate winds added to the dry conditions.
MetService meteorologist John Law said what rain fell would not have made ''too much of an impact'' on the dry conditions affecting the region.
While central Dunedin received 0.6mm of rain, none was reported at Dunedin International Airport and 8mm was recorded at Swampy Summit, Mr Law said.
''But you go beyond those hills and ... there's no rain for Alexandra, Wanaka or even into Queenstown,'' he said.
Strong winds and more high temperatures were predicted for Otago today. A gust watch had been issued for inland Otago, which would also have a drying effect.
''We have got a chance for a few spots of rain, but it is going to be a few spots,'' he said, of today's forecast.
''For the weekend it's still pretty much dry and the temperatures will be high.''
Otago Rural Fire Authority principal rural fire officer Dr Stephanie Rotarangi said the rain had no effect on the fire risk.
''The fire danger remains unchanged. A total fire ban remains [in Otago],'' she said.
''These gusty winds will negate any rain that fell.''
The authority expected Otago to remain in extreme fire danger for the next six weeks.
Rural firefighters had attended 100 call-outs since Christmas Day and any one of them could have turned out to be a large fire.
''Certainly, all of us have to be very careful - it's a fine line between a great save and big fire.''
Otago Rural Support Trust co-ordinator David Mellish said the trust remained concerned for farmers coping with the dry conditions.
While drought had not been declared, ''we are heading that way'', he said.
''There's just a watching brief continuing ... but there is support out there. Seek it if you need it,'' he said.
Low river levels and a dry spring had contributed to the stress many felt, he said.
North Otago had received about 25mm of rain in the past five days, which was ''just holding things''. However, Central Otago remained particularly dry.
''It's good to keep an eye out for your neighbours and be aware of stress. Don't be afraid to call for help,'' he said.
A Ministry for Primary Industries spokeswoman said the ministry was working closely with rural support trusts and Federated Farmers to assess the conditions.
The Minister for Primary Industries was also being advised of ongoing issues, she said.
''MPI has been monitoring the conditions closely over the last few months and we will continue to provide regular updates to the minister,'' the spokeswoman said.
''So far, MPI has not received any formal request for assistance but we continue to keep in regular contact with our rural networks to monitor conditions.''
