Covering period of Thursday 11th - Monday 15th of December

• Thunderstorms feed on warm temperatures today (Thursday), rumbling across parts of the country, especially Otago and South Canterbury
• Milder temperatures settle in across the country tomorrow (Friday) as the warm air mass over the country is pushed out.
• A large high-pressure system moves in from the west, perching atop the country for the weekend.

The main line item for today, Thursday, is thunderstorms with hail. Canterbury, Otago, Inland Southland as well as Bay of Plenty, along with the high country of Hawke’s Bay are the areas most likely to receive a sparky shower and hail from the afternoon. Elsewhere, conditions are largely fine.
MetService meteorologist Alec Holden says, “Thunderstorms feed on warm temperatures and moisture near the surface, so with plenty of both around there is a very good chance we will see some form around the country.” 

The warmer air mass assisting the formation of thunderstorms gets swept away on Friday, ahead of a large high pressure drawing close to the country from the west. Meaning a noticeable drop towards more comfortable temperatures.

“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” says Holden.
 

The high-pressure system moves atop the country on Saturday, likely resulting in 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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