The fine weather which graced the country for most of January has gone, with widespread showers expected to put a cloud over Waitangi Day.

MetService duty forecaster Ciaran Doolin said the coming week will mark an end of the finer weather that's been enjoyed by many but put farmers on edge.

A lack of water in Otago has started to turn parts of the region into dry dust-bowls, the fire risk has soared and parts of Otago are on track for their driest January on record.

Carterton mayor John Booth last week said the dry conditions in Wairarapa had left the district at a "tipping point".