Having looked at prices I think for simplicity's sake I might go for 2WD (at first...
). I imagine it's technically a bit more challenging as well to drive. The Associated RC10B4.1 and its Truggy brother are about £210-230, RTR and brushless, and they look quite good as well...
But yeah, I'll see what people are running (if the site says that anyone is going to be running), ask questions, look sorrowfully at my bank balance...
I know how the rain might cause problems, but how would the drought cause it? That sounds a bit... odd.