Bolt from the blue

DIRECT HIT: Reader Abby Butters captured this spectacular lightning strike from her Durie Hill home around 8.30pm on Sunday. MetService meteorologist Claire Flynn said there were five lightning strikes within a 20km radius of Whanganui on Sunday night, followed by 4.2mm of rain. Whanganui has also been sweltering in some of the warmest weather of the season so far. Temperatures reached 28C in some parts of Whanganui yesterday morning. Ms Flynn said the thunderstorms and warm temperatures were caused by an active front moving on to the country. Heavy rain and thunderstorm warnings have been issued for today for many western areas of the country. While Whanganui can expect a few showers today, MetService has issued no weather warnings for the city.PHOTO/SUPPLIED