Southern farmers were warned about wet weather due to El Niño

Southland is forecast to experience persisting El Niño conditions continuing through the summer period. According to the regional council, rainfall has become more frequent in recent years, with five of the seven wettest Septembers on record since 1970 having occurred since 2020. The council's principal hydrologist, Chris Jenkins, stated that wet and windy periods with fluctuating temperatures are expected in the region. Although average river levels over the three-month outlook are expected to remain close to normal, heavy rains can increase the threat of floods that cause damage to agriculture and enhance erosion and runoff into water bodies.

According to Earth Sciences NZ forecasts, stronger westerly winds and above-normal rainfall are expected in Southland, as well as South Westland and Fiordland, from November to January. The council's land sustainability manager, Simon Stokes, noted that due to high soil moisture levels in some parts of the region, farmers are facing challenging conditions. In certain areas, tillage was carried out in wet soil, and farmers will now need to perform additional loosening to prepare a high-quality seedbed. The situation varies across farms in the region. To assess the situation and support the farming communities, the rural liaison group, which includes the regional council, meets regularly.