Only so many ways you can say 'dry'

The hillsides south of Hastings. Photo / Warren Buckland

The continuing dry over summer and autumn is causing increasing concern for Hawke's Bay, according to the Ministry for Primary Industries.

It said dry conditions headed north from eastern areas south of Napier during April, and this was hampering pasture growth.

"Pasture growth at this time of the year is important for building up pasture covers to carry farms through winter and early spring," a statement said.

Despite reduced feed demand due to less dairy grazing and earlier-than-usual destocking, pasture covers were falling on many sheep and beef farms. "These farmers are hoping decent rain arrives soon. Dairy farmers in the generally better off western areas of the region would also welcome rain."

Hawke's Bay Regional Council senior scientist for climate and air Kathleen Kozyniak said there were only so many different ways you can say "dry and warm" - and she was fast running out of them.

"It's now the third consecutive month that we still find ourselves in not much more than a thong, watering the garden like there's no tomorrow," she said in an April summary of the State of our Environment.

"We averaged less than half of the normal April rainfall across the region and the southern coastal area had less than half that again."

She said river flows were all below normal, groundwater levels were near to below normal, and soil moisture, particularly in the south of the region, was on a "steady downward trajectory".

"Daytime temperatures were again hotter than usual, leaving some spending their evenings admiring their perfectly stacked woodpile rather than a captivating flame.

"Which is great because we're kicking off our air quality reporting and it's always a pleasure to report it's all good - so far.

April's dry weather did help with the harvesting of apples and winegrapes, with harvest now nearing completion. Winemakers are indicating that the 2016 grape vintage in Hawke's Bay will be another excellent vintage for the region.

Growers are having to irrigate some orchards and vineyards after harvest to ensure good tree and vine health going into winter.

As first halves go, Hawke's Bay rainfall for the year is much as it was from January 1 to May 11 last year, according to Hawke's Bay Today weather figures.

At the Mahia Station, the 294.5mm this year compares with 260mm last year, and a historical average for the period of 422mm; the Takapau Plains weather recording station had 273.99mm compared with last year's 290mm and an historical average of 301mm; and the Hastings station had 188.2mm compared with 159.4mm last year and an historical average of 279mm.

Probabilities are assigned in three categories: above average, near average, and below average.

In its May-July seasonal outlook, NIWA says rainfall in Hawke's Bay is "most likely to be near normal", which means there probably won't be a lot of replenishing. Temperatures are "very likely to be above average", the two in combination leading to soil moisture levels and river flows being equally likely to be below normal to near normal.