Photo: File imageThunderstorms are possible in western and southern parts of NZ today, bringing potentially damaging winds, heavy rain, hail, and snow to some areas. Niwa recorded around 5000 lightning strikes offshore and near the western South Island yesterday, while MetService recorded 1408 over a two-hour period with plenty more to come over the next couple of days. An unstable west to northwest flow would cover central and southern New Zealand during the second half of today bringing thunderstorms to many western and southern areas. A heavy rain watch is in place for Taranaki, Taumarunui and Taihape until 6pm tonight. Thunderstorms could also hit inland Southland, eastern Otago and South Canterbury this afternoon and evening bringing hail and snow to 700-800m.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 16, 2021 20:03 UTC