Things are getting more active out at sea even though conditions remain relatively calm across New Zealand.  As expected by WeatherWatch.co.nz the main activity is most likely to occur overnight and then across the next 24 to 36 hours.

This afternoon lightning strikes have slowly increased to an average of around 140 strikes per hour according to the free and live Lightning Tracker.  The strikes have mostly been out at sea although there are now signs of some occurring on the West Coast.

At noon today the Tracker was only detecting around 60 strikes an hour.

Gale force winds are yet to affect populated places although gusts on the hill tops around Wellington have risen to 100km/h this hour – a sign of conditions building.

But it’s the warmth that is quickly spreading in to some centres.  Christchurch is on 21 degrees this hour as is Timaru – however a little further east in Akaroa it’s only 12.    Dunedin has 19, Invercargill 17.

Tomorrow the North Island is expected to feel the heat in the east.