With a drier than usual end to spring for many parts of the country, the problems of a long, hot, dry start to the year, coupled with cold and windy winter conditions have been exacerbated.

We now see a situation where many eastern and inland regions are at a very low soil moisture level, and a dry December will only make things worse.

So in this week’s poll, let us know how badly you’d be affected by a drier than usual start to summer – would it push you past breaking point, or are you in better shape after recent November rains?

Let us know in this week’s poll, below – and tell us where you’re from in the comments!

– Drew Chappell, WeatherWatch.co.nz