Heavy rain from Cyclone Vaianu is beginning to ease dry conditions in parts of the country, but NIWA says several regions remain at risk of drought as soil moisture deficits persist.

In its latest Hotspot Watch, NIWA reports that recent rainfall has brought some relief, particularly across parts of the North Island, where soils had been drying out in recent weeks. However, the improvement is uneven, with some areas still classified as hotspots, meaning soils remain significantly drier than normal.

Hotspots are identified when soil moisture levels drop well below seasonal norms, increasing the likelihood of drought if dry conditions continue.

Before the arrival of Cyclone Vaianu, parts of Northland, Bay of Plenty, and areas along the Manawatū-Whanganui coast had been experiencing worsening dryness, with some hotspots strengthening and expanding.

NIWA says the recent rain associated with the cyclone may help reduce dryness in some regions, but warns it may not be enough to fully reverse longer-term deficits, especially if drier weather returns.

The latest outlook suggests soil moisture levels could stabilise or improve slightly in areas that receive sustained rainfall, while other regions may continue to dry out depending on how weather patterns develop in the coming weeks.

Longer-term forecasts still point to the risk of below-normal rainfall across parts of the country, meaning drought conditions could re-emerge if rainfall becomes limited again.

NIWA continues to monitor soil moisture levels nationwide, with hotspot updates providing an early warning system for developing drought conditions.