Parts of the upper North Island could be in for some wild weather this weekend as cyclone Wilma bears down on the country.
MetService’s latest reports indicate Wilma is due here somet
ime late Friday evening, bringing rain, and possible gale force winds.
Severe rain warnings are in place for Auckland, parts of the Waikato and Coromandel, but the heaviest falls are expected in the Northland area.
Farmers in the far north are heading from one extreme to the other, as officially, the region is still considered in drought.
Northland Rural Support Trust Chairperson Julie Jonker says while they’re hoping for rain, they could certainly do without the wind and flood damage that could come with the cyclone.
“I’m in touch with the NRC which give me my weather updates and I haven’t received any unusual warnings yet.
“There are the obvious warnings around heavy rain but we’re hoping it gets downgraded before it gets here.
“It seems to be holding on to its ferocity somewhat!”
And the Ministry of Agriculture says Government support for drought stricken areas of the North Island may continue despite the forecast.
MAF says most areas affected by last year’s big dry, particularly in the central and upper North Island, are only just beginning to recover after heavy downfalls earlier this month.
While the rains have helped depleted soil moisture levels, MAF Adverse Events co-ordinator Phil Journeaux says many farmers still need help in the meantime.
“In terms of farmers in trouble, it’s certainly been a significant help.
“It’s provided advice and help with planning, encouraging people to make an action plan and stick with it.”
Mr Journeaux says most farmers in consistently dry areas are starting to develop plans in expectation of regular droughts, which is both a good and bad sign.
“This is the fourth of fifth drought in a row, farmers are pretty sensitised, and a lot of them probably react much more quickly and positively than four or five years ago.
“Good to see, but it means the weather isn’t playing ball.”
For a forecast in your region for the weekend coming, head to weatherwatch.co.nz
