A weather expert says it's a concern that many parts of the country are already starting to dry out.
Forecasters have been warning of a weak El Nino weather pattern for summer.
- Report confirms dry conditions for farmers across the country
- Weather: New Zealand drying out faster than usual
Weather analyst Richard Green told RadioLIVE many parts of the country are already feeling the effects of a lack of rain.
"It's mostly been in eastern areas, also North Canterbury, Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa," he said.
He said it is very early for the dry conditions.
"That is a concern as if we do have this weak El Nino summer it is usually the east that is the driest, so if it is dry already, then that is a worry,"
Recent figures from NIWA also show many parts of the country are experiencing drier than normal conditions.
The NIWA weekly 'hotspot' soil moisture update looks at the likelihood of extremely dry weather before a drought.
The report said up to October 17, 2018, rainfall has been below normal or well below normal for a majority of the North Island, excluding the East Cape and the Tauranga area where rainfall has been near normal.
Newshub.
