A front sweeping across the South Island today will help bring precipitation to parts of the Mainland.  The instability associated with the front could be enough to pop a few thunderstorms as well.

Government forecaster MetService has issued a moderate risk area for thunderstorms for this afternoon for Canterbury, from Banks Peninsula south.  This also includes North Otago.

WeatherWatch.co.nz forecasters agree with MetService that this area has the best chance for seeing thunderstorms today.  However, we feel the thunderstorm chances are not as high for North Otago.  We also feel that the risk for thunderstorms may extend into this evening.

Any thunderstorms that do develop could produce rainfall rates of 10-20mm/hour, hail 5-15mm in diameter, and gusty winds.

There is also a chance for thunderstorms along the West Coast, north to through Nelson.

Homepage image/ Colin Krippner

WeatherWatch.co.nz