The MetService is today predicting a high risk for thunderstorm activity along the South Island’s West Coast. 

An active trough is expected to move onto the west of the South Island, along with cooling temperatures in the upper atmosphere. “There is a high risk of thunderstorms for Fiordland, Westland and Buller, and a moderate risk further north into northwest Nelson. These thunderstorms may produce localised rainfall rates of 10 to 20mm/hr, and wind gusts of 90 km/h are possible for Fiordland” says the crown forecaster.

A low risk is also in place for Taranaki tonight.

See below for maps…

The active trough should move across New Zealand in the afternoon. “The high risk of thunderstorms continues into the afternoon for the west of the South Island from Fiordland to northwest Nelson. These thunderstorms may produce localised rainfall rates of 10 to 20mm/hr. There is a lesser risk at night of a few thunderstorms for the Marlborough Sounds, Taranaki, and Fiordland.”.

Graphics courtesy NZ Govt

Homepage image: Lightning turns night into day