Rain, showers and gusty conditions are all in the weather risks today – and it’s all in the South Island!

Northwesterlies will blow strongly about North Canterbury through to Wellington at times this afternoon, perhaps strong for some areas mainly about Cook Strait – where there is a risk winds could touch on gale force.

Right down south, showers this afternoon about eastern Otago could be heavy with thunderstorms – and there is the chance of hail, though it’s a small chance.

The West Coast of the South Island is in for some rain today, with the odd heavy fall possible – it may make some rivers rise a bit, so keep an eye on things if you’re in the outdoors on the coast today!

– Aaron Wilkinson & Drew Chappell, WeatherWatch.co.nz

– Map: Google