The NZ drought

Drought worst in 70 years, says climate scientist

Auckland climate scientist Jim Salinger says records show most of the North Island is in the grip of the worst drought in almost 70 years of climate records.

Radio NZ,

10 March, 2013

Six regions in the North Island are officially declared in drought meaning extra government funding is available for harship assistance to farmers.

Northland, South Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Coromandel and Hawke's Bay are covered by the Government declaration. Two more regions, Manawatu and Rangitikei, have asked the Government to declare a state of drought in their regions.

The severity of drought for agriculture is indicated by the potential soil moisture deficit, measured in millimetres of rain required to keep pasture growth going. The higher the deficit, the more severe the soil moisture deficiency.

Dr Salinger said the potential soil moisture deficit was at 362mm at the end of February, breaking the previous record of 361mm in the 1945/46 season.

Other very dry seasons for the North Island were 1997/98 (360mm) and 1972/73 with 347mm.

The outlook for rain in the North Island is not encouraging with little forecast for the remainder of March.

Federated Farmers said farmers have been sending livestock to the South Island to be killed and processed to reduce their numbers and that is likely to continue.