Storms are going nowhere (for today anyway)
More thunder and lightning is expected to strike today as the weather system continues to hover over the country.
MetService is warning that parts of the central North Island and Bay of Plenty could be hit by more thunderstorms after yesterday’s lightning strikes.
Thunderstorms were less likely in Auckland despite rain drenching most of the city yesterday and sending people scurrying for cover.
MetService shift meteorologist Tui McInnes said Auckland had only been on moderate thunderstorm warnings and recorded up to 15mm in parts.
It was only termed a downpour if it reached more than 25mm of rain, he said. “It doesn’t necessarily have to have thunderstorms because that just depends how deep and how big the cell develops. In these cases probably not big enough and deep enough to producing lightning but certainly big enough and deep enough to be producing fairly heavy rain.”
While the worst of the rain had moved on, showers were still likely.
“Unfortunately I can’t quite say it’s going to clear up and get sunny, but the stronger cell has passed through.”
In other parts of the country thunderstorms were more severe because of heavy rainfall and hail.
Hamilton was hit the hardest by thunder and lightning yesterday, followed by south of Tokoroa, Waipukurau and Westport.
“There will be more [thunderstorms] to come that’s for sure. It’s similar areas to today, but it’s diminishing in its excitement as you will.”
Parts of the central North Island and Bay of Plenty could be struck again today and Southern Canterbury, Clutha and South Island have a moderate to severe risk.