A squally thunderstorm after long dry spell

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Black clouds, rain and touches of hail passed over the district  late yesterday afternoon, after a 55-day dry spell.

Met Service’s forecast was right on-target - "Showers, some heavy, clearing evening. Chance of a squally thunderstorm with hail. Fresh southerlies.”

As the southerly front swept over, indications were that the rain might not amount to much more than the 12mm that had fallen by 5pm. - RH