Wild thunderstorms and hail are battering parts of New Zealand, with a red severe weather warning issued for parts of the South Island and a severe thunderstorm watch in place for areas of the North Island.
A fresh red severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Timaru and Waimate.
MetService said the warning is set to be in place until 8.15pm.
MetService said thunderstorms “feed” on warm weather, contributing to turbulent conditions rumbling across the bottom of the country.
A severe thunderstorm warning is in place for Central Otago and Dunedin City, with radar detecting thunderstorms near Middlemarch, Lake Mahinerangi, Clarks Junction, Sutton and the Lammerlaw Range.
These severe storms will move east and lie near Clarks Junction, Hummock, Hindon, Dunedin, Waikouaiti, Outram, Warrington and Hindon.
Large hail is expected to accompany the thunderstorms, which could cause damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses and vehicles, and make driving conditions hazardous.
Torrential rain from the storms could result in flash flooding near streams, gullies and urban areas.
A severe thunderstorm watch is in place for the Canterbury Plains, Canterbury High Country, North Otago, Dunedin and Clutha until 9pm, with localised downpours of up to 40mm/h and hail of more than 20mm in diameter predicted.
MetService has also issued a severe thunderstorm watch until 10pm this evening for inland parts of the Bay of Plenty, down to Taupō and neighbouring ranges.
🟡⛈️
— MetService NZ (@MetService) December 11, 2025
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued for inland parts of the Bay of Plenty, down to Taupo and the neighboring ranges.
Worth keeping an eye on the radar this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/GZ9QWbRkOc
“Thunderstorms feed on warm temperatures and moisture near the surface,” said MetService meteorologist Alec Holden.
“So with plenty of both around there is a very good chance we will see some form around the country.”
However, calmer weather can be expected heading into the weekend as the warmer air mass aiding the formation of these thunderstorms is swept away tomorrow.
High pressure will hit the country from the west, causing a drop in temperature.
“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,” Holden said.
The high-pressure system will sit over the country on Saturday, leading to a pleasant day all round.
Sunday should continue to be calm for much of New Zealand, but northerlies will build over the South Island, meaning heavy rain could begin again at the start of next week.
The North Island should stay mainly fine on Monday, with some showers north of the Central Plateau.