Parts of the country are expected to be hit by thunderstorms this afternoon – particularly Otago and South Canterbury – fed by warm temperatures.
There has been a week of high temperatures, including a specific heat alert for Hastings as temperatures there skyrocketed over 30C. A heat alert was also issed for Ōamaru last weekend.
This afternoon, MetService said a large high-pressure system would move in from the west and perch atop the country for the weekend.
"The main line item for today is thunderstorms with hail," MetService meteorologist Alec Holden said.
"Thunderstorms feed on warm temperatures and moisture near the surface – with plenty of both around, there is a very good chance we will see some form around the country."
The forecaster said areas most likely to receive a "sparky shower and hail" from the afternoon were Canterbury, Otago, Inland Southland, Bay of Plenty, and Hawke's Bay high country.
"Elsewhere, conditions are largely fine," Holden said.
'More comfortable temperatures' on the way
Holden said the warmer air mass assisting thunderstorms to form would be swept away on Friday, bringing milder temperatures ahead of a large high pressure drawing close to the country from the west. "Meaning, a noticeable drop towards more comfortable temperatures," he said.
"People can expect a pretty nice day come the end of the working week, there will be showers around, but you would be unlucky to see one."
The high-pressure system would then move atop the country on Saturday, creating "a very pleasant day across the country, excellent if you have some washing to do".
"For Sunday, it should still be nice for most people, but northerlies build over the South Island, heralding a new front approaching the country from the west to kick off Monday."
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