Despite recent rain in Otago and Southland, Niwa data shows a meteorological drought is emerging near Tiwai Point and in northern Stewart Island.
A Niwa spokeswoman said moderate rainfall amounts of 30mm-70mm were observed in Fiordland and the lower West Coast, and up to 30mm in parts of Southland and Otago over the past week.
This meant there was little change in soil moisture levels in the far South.
"The driest soils in the South Island, when compared to normal for this time of the year, are located in coastal Southland and Stewart Island, while the wettest soils for this time of the year are found in northern Canterbury.
"South Island hot spots are currently located along the south coast of Otago, much of coastal Southland, and much of Stewart Island."
She said the latest New Zealand Drought Index map showed dry, or very dry, conditions were now located in coastal Otago and much of Southland.
"In addition, extremely dry conditions are located in coastal Southland and much of Stewart Island, with meteorological drought emerging near Tiwai Point and in northern Stewart Island."
A weak front brought showers to the lower and eastern South Island yesterday, and it was expected to continue today.
However, the rainfall totals were expected to be less than 20mm, she said.
"Due to the expected rainfall in the next week, soil moisture levels will likely decrease across the majority of the South Island, with the exception of the West Coast and Tasman.
"This will likely cause an expansion of the current hotspots in Southland and Stewart Island, with hotspot conditions possibly emerging in interior Otago as well."
