We’ve had a lot of correspondence coming in from readers and visitors to the site, as well as comments on social media, about the soil moisture levels around parts of the country after a windy, dry spring.

We wanted to know in last week’s poll how things were looking at your place – and it seems like that pattern is prevailing for most kiwis.

70% of those who voted said “yes” to the question “Are things drying out where you are” while just under 5% said they’re getting wetter.

One commenter from Canterbury said:

“Christchurch has had 3.6mm in the last month and temps pushing 30C plus a number of drying NW winds.  Inland Canterbury has been even warmer.  The ground is hard and the grass is already dying off.  These conditions may not last of course, but if they do, we can expect of lot of scrub and forest fires this season. “

While Steve from Northland mentioned similar circumstances:

“Ground really dry now here just south of Waipu. Had 11mm over the weekend which when you add to the 18mm for the rest of the month is not a lot. Odd warm periods but the sou-wester chill still bites when it freshens.“

But it’s important to remember drying out in October is NORMAL – and with the exception of Canterbury and Otago many areas are still about average (if you disagree, post a comment and let us know where you are).

Please keep us updated as things progress through the start of the new month, and as spring winds down, we’ve all got our fingers crossed for more rain for those who need it!

– WeatherWatch.co.nz