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Residents in parts of the upper South Island are experiencing heavy rain, hail and thunder.
The sky over Nelson not long ago.
Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal
A severe storm watch for the region was issued earlier this afternoon, with localized rain and hail forecasts.
All the key ingredients for thunderstorms are perfectly combined for parts of Aotearoa from the afternoon⚡
So whether you’re wandering around, on a post-Christmas roadie, or just chilling out on the bach, stay tuned. And as always, stay safe NZ! https://t.co/BZWb7ZPiRd ^ MM pic.twitter.com/50nYJaFAao– MetService (@MetService) December 25, 2020
MetService says scattered thunderstorms are now affecting parts of the Tasmanian district.
He says some thunderstorms could be severe west of Mapua with heavy rains that could cause surface flooding and slipping.
A threatening sky in Nelson.
Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal
There are also reports on social media of a hail storm in Motueka.
MetService previously warned that it could make driving dangerous and damage crops, orchards, grapevines and greenhouses.
#hail #motueka pic.twitter.com/0cgeP8NOm1
– Ben Hodges (@SkyWarble) December 26, 2020
Honestly, I’ve never seen a hailstorm like this #Christmas pic.twitter.com/QRTONIY5lt
– Juliette Sivertsen (@j_sivertsen) December 26, 2020
White Christmas in Motueka! pic.twitter.com/8cSPKlDgWp
– Katie (@Katieshould) December 26, 2020
The storm is heading towards Abel Tasman National Park.
Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal
Snow falls in parts of downtown Otago
Today snow has also fallen on the ranges west of Wanaka, the Remarkables, and the mountains near Glenorchy.
This morning’s view from Lauder features a layer of snow! ❄️ pic.twitter.com/sWqJVOtYnE
– NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) December 25, 2020
Today, cooler than average temperatures are felt in many parts of the continent.
MetService says that things look more unstable than usual for this time of year and that the eastern areas do not get past adolescence.
At this stage, inclement weather looks like it could continue for the South Island on New Years Eve.
However, the prospects are much more settled on the North Island.
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