NIWA's seasonal outlook for May to July points to a winter period where rainfall, soil moisture and river flows may vary significantly by region.
NIWA's outlook discussed rainfall, soil moisture and river flow expectations for May to July. Some areas were expected to have near-normal or below-normal rainfall.
Seasonal outlooks are used by farmers, councils, water managers and households to plan ahead. Even without a single dramatic weather event, seasonal conditions shape everything from farm planning to water storage and household heating costs.
Regional councils will be watching soil moisture trends closely as winter advances.
The key question is how regional differences play out for water supply and primary industries.
