Above average temps for inland Otago

5/10/2005 15:24:18

It might not feel like it with today's chilly six degrees, but NIWA is forecasting above average temperatures and normal rainfall for inland Otago, until the end of December.

Soil moisture levels and river flows are also expected to be normal.

The outlook comes as environmental agencies warn of a possible summer drought in the region, following an abnormally dry and mild winter.

Ski fields still open in the deep south have received a few centimetres of new snow in the past 24 hours. .

The Remarkables near Queenstown picked up five centimetres.

Cardrona near Wanaka received about seven centimetres.

It has been snowing on and off all day at both resorts.

They are expecting a bit more snow on Friday, before they both close for the season on Sunday.

The Remarkables and Cardrona are the only southern skifields to have seen out the season, with Coronet Peak forced to close about a month early due to a lack of snow.

Treble Cone also closed last Sunday, about a week earlier than usual.

»www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1···ID=81479