Heavy showers and thunderstorms are moving on to New Zealand tonight, especially the North Island, reports WeatherWatch.co.nz, with lightning now being reported in Northland, Auckland and Nelson.
In the past 60 minutes the Lightning Tracker at WeatherWatch.co.nz has detected close to 1000 lightning strikes out in the Tasman Sea with 987 recorded last hour and about 5000 strikes so far tonight.
The latest rain radar showers big showers approaching western areas, mainly from Northland to Taranaki but also the upper South Island around the Nelson region.
The main band is now moving down Northland and will reach Auckland after midnight.
WeatherWatch.co.nz says the next 36 hours will be rough at times across New Zealand with heavy, squally, showers and isolated thunderstorms – some of which may be severe.
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Guest on 13/05/2010 7:39pm
Helensville got ZERO rain last night! Waited most of the night for the thunderstorms and we had a beautiful clear still night
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WW Forecast Team on 13/05/2010 8:48pm
I have to say I am absolutely ASTONISHED that the rain band fell apart before it reached the Auckland region. Just 60 minutes from ‘arrival’ it was still looking strong.
Aucklanders are strangers to this phenomenon.. but very frustrating.
– Phil
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Guest on 13/05/2010 11:16am
how much rain do you think is in it? any falling down around Kaukapakapa area?
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WW Forecast Team on 13/05/2010 11:27am
Some areas may see 20 to 30mm in just an hour, while others may only see 5mm Like all the rain this week, it’s isolated. Most places, including Kaukapakapa, should get a heavy downpour but it will last anywhere between 10 and 30 minutes.
As of 11:25pm the rain radar looks promising for most places north of Auckland and about Taranaki.
– WeatherWatch
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Guest on 13/05/2010 12:11pm
ok so we just have to wait and hope for rain (maybe rain dance would be good?)
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Rachel jennings on 13/05/2010 9:49am
Hello
Is there anything in the mix for Canterbury?
Just curious.
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WW Forecast Team on 13/05/2010 10:33am
Hi Rachel, no not at this stage – almost exclusively a North Island event, or west coast event.
– WeatherWatch
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JohnGaul on 13/05/2010 10:42am
Yes, sadly GRRRRRRR
We always miss out.
JohnGaul
NZThS
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Guest on 13/05/2010 9:26am
Yes, over the Waitakeres, here in West Auckland, facing west to norwest has been lightening flashes over the past hour but no thunder, and its a beautiful starry sky with no wind, a beautiful evening. Is that about to change?
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