Christchurch shatters records with driest May in history, capped by 21C autumn heat

Monday, 1 June 2026

Christchurch has just experienced its driest ever May, with the rain gauge recording just 5.8mm.

The last day of the month also brought with it warm temperatures with the city reaching 21C.

May’s rainfall was nine times less than the historical average of 51.6mm.

The previous low, set in 2012, was 11.2mm.

MetService public meteorologist Paris Marshall said the low rainfall could be attributed to westerly flows covering the country blocking rain from hitting the eastern parts.

The dry conditions align with forecasts of a transition to El Niño, which typically brings drier conditions to Canterbury.

There is no significant rain forecast for the next week either. The “odd spot of rain” could fall on Monday, there was “the chance of a shower” on Tuesday morning and a “few showers” are likely on Wednesday and Friday.

In contrast, much of the South Island’s West Coast was under an orange rain warning on Sunday.

The headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers around Arthur’s Pass was expected to get between 200mm and 300mm of rain up until 10pm on Sunday.

MetService warned that streams and rivers might rise rapidly and surface flooding, slips and difficult driving conditions were possible.

Westland, south of Hokitika, was expected to get between 350mm and 500mm of rain about the ranges and between 100 and 150mm about the coast. Thunderstorms were also possible from Monday morning.

The Buller ranges were likely to get between 200mm and 300mm of rain between noon on Sunday and midnight on Monday with thunderstorms possible from the evening.

Tasman and the Richmond and Bryant Ranges, including Nelson and the Rai Valley, were also expected to receive more than 300mm of rain up until the early hours of Tuesday morning.