Key Takeaways
- A calmer day is expected for parts of the South Island after severe thunderstorms on Saturday
- The storms brought hail, torrential downpours, and lightning, with a rare "supercell" storm occurring in the Canterbury Plains
- MetService meteorologist Devlin Lynden says the thunderstorms will ease, but some showers are still expected
- No reports of damaged crops have been received by Horticulture New Zealand
- Heavy rain watches are in place for the Coromandel Peninsula and Gisborne/Tairawhiti regions
Introduction to the Weather Situation
A calmer day is in store for parts of the South Island, which was battered by severe weather on Saturday. The region experienced hail, torrential downpours, and lightning, with a rare and powerful "supercell" storm occurring in the Canterbury Plains. The storm caused significant disruption, with the Ashburton council dispatching a contractor to clear street gutters after a big hail storm, and the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) sending crews to reports of hail blocking the road and cars being flooded.
The Supercell Storm
The "supercell" storm that occurred in the Canterbury Plains was a rare and significant event. According to MetService, the storm was long-lasting and powerful, bringing with it heavy rain, hail, and lightning. The storm was confirmed by MetService using radar reflectivity and Doppler analysis, and was described as one of the most severe hailstorms in the region. The storm caused significant damage, with reports of hail blocking roads and cars being flooded. However, despite the severity of the storm, Horticulture New Zealand reported no damage to crops.
Weather Forecast
MetService meteorologist Devlin Lynden says that the thunderstorms will ease, but some showers are still expected. Although the southern parts of the South Island that were affected by the severe thunderstorms on Saturday are not expected to experience further severe weather, there is still a moderate risk of thunderstorms in the northern parts of the island. Lynden also noted that there will still be some fine breaks in the weather, with people expected to see sun on Sunday. However, showers are still expected, particularly in the afternoon and in inland areas.
Heavy Rain Watches
MetService has issued heavy rain watches for two regions, with a moderate chance of being upgraded to warnings. The Coromandel Peninsula is under a heavy rain watch from 9am Monday to Tuesday morning, while the Gisborne/Tairawhiti region is under a watch from 1pm Monday to 6am Tuesday. The watches were issued due to the risk of heavy rain and flooding in these regions. Lynden noted that while there will be some fine breaks in the weather, the risk of heavy rain and flooding is still present, and people should be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the South Island is expected to experience a calmer day after the severe thunderstorms on Saturday. While the thunderstorms will ease, some showers are still expected, and heavy rain watches are in place for two regions. The rare "supercell" storm that occurred in the Canterbury Plains was a significant event, but fortunately, no damage to crops was reported. As the weather continues to change, it is essential for people to stay informed and prepared for any further severe weather events. By staying up to date with the latest weather forecasts and warnings, people can take necessary precautions to stay safe and minimize any potential damage.
