Hawke's Bay on drought watch

7:49 AM Saturday Dec 22, 2012

Hawke's Bay will be on drought watch over the festive season.

The region is unlikely to get much rain over the next few weeks.

The Regional Council says farmers and croppers need to abide by watering bans, if and when they come into force.

River levels are falling to critical levels and several bans are already in force.

More will be put in place if there's no rain.