Much of the country is in the firing line for rain today however thunderstorms are also in the mix for southern and eastern areas of the South Island with hail also a prospect.

The Govt forecaster MetService has released a severe thunderstorm outloook for today.

During this afternoon and evening, a cold upper level trough moves onto the South Island from the west, causing the atmosphere to become unstable across much of the island with a broad low risk of thunderstorms.

In the west, there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms for Westland and Buller during the afternoon and early evening, while easing from the south. Any thunderstorms that occur in these areas will bring localised heavy rain and possibly small hail.

In the east, daytime heating and wind convergences are expected to trigger widespread showers in the afternoon from Southland up through Canterbury, many of which may be heavy with a moderate risk of isolated thunderstorms. Any storms that do develop have the potential to bring heavy rain and hail. This convection and the associated risk of thunderstorms is expected to diminish into the evening hours.

For the North Island, a frontal band sweeps eastwards during the afternoon with a burst of heavy rain for many places but thunderstorms are not expected.