Dry, hot summer threatens New Zealand with drought

New Zealand is at risk of a second year of drought in some regions, with a warmer-than-normal summer and below-average rainfall forecast, climate scientists said yesterday.

The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) said much of the country, including key farming regions, would have above normal temperatures but also normal or above normal rainfall.

However, eastern parts of the country, especially in the South Island, were facing fairly dry conditions.

"It's possible a drought could develop in eastern parts of the country," said NIWA principal James Renwick.

Large areas of the country, including key dairy producing regions and hydro lake catchments, were hit by drought through the second half of last year and into the early part of this year because of a La Nina weather pattern.

That drought is estimated to have cost the economy about €513 million and has been seen as a factor in sending New Zealand into recession.

It also caused electricity prices to rise sharply because of reduced hydro power generation, which provides around 60 per cent of New Zealand's electricity.

NIWA scientists said neutral climate conditions were expected through the summer, but there was some risk of weak La Nina conditions re-developing.