Rain brings temporary respite
Posted on Thursday, 12 January 2012 04:44 p.m.
Today’s rainfall has at least temporarily relieved the dry spell in Southland but more is needed to break the pattern, Environment Southland Senior Environmental Technical Officer Karl Erikson says.
The latest information from the last 24-hour period taken from rainfall gauges across the province, have recorded as much as 30mm in upper river catchments but only up to 5mm in coastal areas.
Coastal areas have so far missed out on most of the rain but the MetService has issued a weather watch for the entire region with predictions of as much as 50mm of rain within a 12 hour period, he said.
“If that happens, it would be the best rainfall we’ve had in about six weeks.”
Forecasts indicate more rain next week, Mr Erikson said.
River levels have been boosted by the rain today and overnight but it would take extended period of rainfall to have a significant impact on the deficits most were currently experiencing, he said.
Council staff are continuing to monitor the water levels across the province and staff will meet tomorrow to further assess the situation.
The latest information on river and rainfall data is also available on the Environment Southland website www.es.govt.nz.
Another update with the latest date will be issued tomorrow.
Environment Southland is the brand name of Southland Regional Council.