By RadioLIVE / 3 News online staff
Farmers in Southland fear there will be a long term impact if rain doesn't come in the next few weeks.
It's been about six weeks since the region had a significant downfall and farmers are using backup feed for livestock.
Federated Farmers dairy spokesman for Southland Russel Macpherson says it could hit the local economy:
"The knock-on effect is the cattle condition will go down, they don't milk as well, cattle production for the year will be down and farmers' incomes will be down," he says.
"That means it'll effect the local economy."
Invercargill City Council is imposing some water restrictions, asking residents to conserve water where they can.
Meanwhile, in another tinder-dry region to the north, central Otago firefighters are having to act fast to extinguish dangerous scrub fires.
The region's bumper spring growth has turned into fuel for fire, as it dries out in near-drought conditions.
Principal Rural Fire Officer Owen Burgess says there's no time to manipulate the flames.
"This time of the year it's really bad, and it's not a fact of letting the fires burn – in the wintertime you can sort of head them off and contain them in one little area.
"These fires have got to be put out because of the conditions out there."
Mr Burgess said the drought also makes it difficult to collect enough water to extinguish the flames.
RadioLIVE / 3 News