Kids having fun on a trampoline despite summertime hail storm.
Video / Chris Bell
More than 7000 lightning strikes were recorded in the first weekend of the year and forecasters have issued fresh severe thunderstorm warnings for parts of the North Island.
There's been wild and weird weather in 2021 so far.
Nearly 30 per cent of the yearly average rainfall - more than 120mm - has already fallen in Alexandra and the temperature was 8C below average in Queenstown and Wānaka.
The dry regions of Northland, Auckland, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty were doused with rain over the weekend too, with more than 25mm an hour falling at times.
A severe thunderstorm watch for northern and eastern Waikato, inland Bay of Plenty, Taupō, inland parts of Gisborne, and northern Hawke's Bay has been issued this afternoon.
Just after 4pm, the forecaster extended the warning's "risk area" slightly with the warning now including southern Auckland.
It's a "rinse and repeat" of Sunday for Hawke's Bay, where 602 lightning strikes hit the region between midday and 5pm yesterday.
MetService issued the watch which extends from 3pm through to 10pm, warning that localised downpours could reach 25-40mm/h.
"These thunderstorms will be accompanied by localised heavy rain and possibly small hail," the forecaster says.
"Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.
"Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain."
MetService meteorologist Tom Adams said thunderstorms are localised: One place can get drenched and 1km down the road it can be fine.
"It's impossible to forecast exactly the co-ordinates a thunderstorm will hit ahead of time, they are too erratic for that," he said.
According to Adams, it's only when a storm forms that meteorologists can track it and issue a warning if necessary.
He said warm subtropical air is being pulled down by a low-pressure weather system over the South Island, bringing warm, humid air to the region – which "adds fuel to the thunderstorms".
However, he said, the risk of thunderstorms will reduce as the week progresses.
Roads remain closed
Meanwhile, several roads remain closed in the lower South Island, after days of bad weather battered the region.
Flooding has closed a section of State Highway 83 between Otematata and Aviemore in Canterbury until January 10. A detour is in place.
UPDATE 11:50AM, SUN 3 JAN Due to flooding, SH83 Aviemore to Otematata in Canterbury will be CLOSED until Sun 10 Jan. A detour route is available and is suitable for all vehicles. Please take extra care on all roads & plan ahead if you intend to travel on the network today. ^AP pic.twitter.com/fwJwJKcqA0
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Canterbury & West Coast (@WakaKotahiCWC) January 2, 2021
Nearby, SH82 between Kurow and Ikawai is closed due to flooding as well, as of Monday 6pm.
A stretch of SH87 between Kyeburn and Middlemarch in Otago also remains closed due to a washout at the Kokonga Bridge.
Motorists on the nearby SH85 between Alexandra and Kyeburn have been urged to drive with caution after minor slips and surface flooding on the route.
Surface flooding, slips and washouts have caused havoc for roads in the Middlemarch and Alexandra area. Photo / NZTA
Further south, SH90 between Waikoikoi and Tapanui also remains closed due to flooding.
