4 Jul 2013

Record rain in Central Otago no surprise to farmers

6:28 am on 4 July 2013

Rainfall figures for last month have confirmed just how wet it was in parts of the country, in particular the eastern and northern South Island.

According to NIWA, it was the wettest June on record across Central Otago and coastal areas of Canterbury.

Parts of North Otago, and South and mid-Canterbury received more than four times their normal June rainfall, and more than double the normal rainfall was recorded in parts of South and Central Otago, Mackenzie Country, North Canterbury and Marlborough.

Dunedin hydrological consultant Dave Stewart of Rain Effects said the Otago rainfall figures are a stunning contrast to the dry summer, when irrigation restrictions were common.

Ranfurly received more than four times its normal rainfall recording 116mm in June when its average is about 28mm.

Alexandra recorded 121mm when the June average there is 23mm and Cromwell recorded 105mm when the June average is 22mm.

Mr Stewart said Otago farmers are telling him that this week's norwesterly winds are helping to dry out the sodden ground after the heavy rain and snow.