A highly likely El Niño summer is expected to have impacts on farm operations, soil moisture and water supplies, Otago Regional Council (ORC) says. 

A recent NIWA report indicates there is an almost 100 percent chance of El Niño continuing during October through to December and a more than 95 percent chance it will persist throughout summer.

In inland Otago, the effects of El Niño are likely to include drastic temperature swings from well above average to well below average, higher than normal rainfall, and wind speeds much faster and stronger than normal.

ORC regulatory acting manager Joanna Gilroy said farmers should be making plans with contingencies and “act on it earlier rather than later.”

“Having a plan now, will help to support making decisions later on,” she said.

“Plenty of thought should be given to water needs over summer, how water will be managed and what feed requirements there might be,” she said.

Farmers should now check their irrigation and stock drinking water systems for any faults, undertake any deferred maintenance and consider ordering spare parts.

Joanna said ORC can assist farmers with management of water takes, especially if they become restricted in coming months, and they are welcome to get in touch.

ORC science manager Tom Dyer said while Otago’s current river flows and soil moisture content are normal or slightly higher than normal for this time of year, long periods of wind can dry out soils in a short time.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) has also issued a warning to Otago residents that El Niño could increase fire risk and residents should prepare.

Read more: Residents need to be conscious of fire danger - FENZ

PHOTO: Wānaka App