Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for South Island as Weather Disrupts Sales

Residents of the South Island are bracing for further thunderstorms and heavy rain as they venture out for Boxing Day sales. The MetService has issued several weather watches, predicting thunderstorms across the upper North Island and southeastern regions of the South Island.

From 13:00 to 20:00 on December 26, a severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for areas including Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains, Canterbury High Country, North Otago, Central Otago, Dunedin, Clutha, and Southland. The forecast indicates the potential for hail exceeding 20mm in diameter in these locations.

A representative from MetService stated, “A cold unstable air-mass affects parts of the South Island today. For coastal Canterbury from the Banks Peninsula southwards, eastern Otago, and Southland, there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms. These storms may become severe this afternoon and evening with hail larger than 20mm.”

This warning follows a significant weather event on Christmas Day, when 200 lightning strikes impacted Dunedin and Clutha.

Severe Weather Expected in the North

In the upper North Island, a complex trough embedded in a moist unstable air-mass is forecasted to shift eastward. The MetService has also issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, and Rotorua from 14:00 to 20:00 on December 26. Additionally, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne will be under a watch from 19:00 to 23:00.

Forecasters anticipate that the downpours in these regions could result in hourly rainfall amounts ranging from 25mm to 40mm. Residents are advised to stay informed and prepared as conditions develop throughout the day.

As communities across the South Island and North Island prepare for these severe weather conditions, local authorities are urging caution, especially for those participating in the Boxing Day shopping rush.