Rain and cooler temperatures are bringing much needed moisture to many parts of the country, but the areas most in need are still missing out.
Drought conditions in mid-Canterbury, January 2015 Photo: Jeremy Talbot
MetService says heavy rain is currently dousing the western coasts of both islands as well as the central North Island, the Tararua Ranges, and further south in the Nelson Ranges.
It also has a thunderstorm watch in place for the lower South Island.
But MetService forecaster Sarah Garlic said Canterbury was missing out on the majority of the rain.
"There was a little bit this morning but now there's not too much, however we've got a little southerly change pushing through there and that should bring some showers for them."
She said the showers would not be heavy like they were in the west of the North and South Islands, but at least it would bring some relief.
Ms Garlic said Otago, which was also facing drought-like conditions, should get substantial rain tonight.