MetService has lifted a severe thunderstorm watch for Canterbury and North Otago.
It earlier said hailstones with a diameter of 2cm or larger could fall across the region between 1pm and 8pm on Saturday.
“Scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and early evening,” it said at the time.
“A few of these thunderstorms may become severe, producing hail with diameter in excess of 2cm.”
Thunderstorm activity was expected to “gradually ease” from the south, MetService added.
“Large hail can cause significant damage to crops, orchards, vines, glasshouses and vehicles, as well as make driving conditions hazardous.”
MetService also withdrew strong wind warnings for the far South this evening. Warnings for coastal parts of both Dunedin and Clutha had been in place from 2pm to 7pm today, and for coastal Southland and Stewart Island from noon to 5pm.
Watch 1News Meteorologist Dan Corbett’s explanation of the tropical cyclone season on TVNZ+. He delves into the science behind it and what to expect in New Zealand as the weather warms up.