Weatherwatch.co.nz says a southwesterly airflow lying over New Zealand today could become unstable for eastern regions in the afternoon, after hail and thunder in many areas yesterday.
MetService says owing to the unsettled conditions there is a moderate chance of thunderstorms and hail in North Otago this afternoon, and there is the possibility of storms in a broader area including eastern Dunedin.
Other parts of Southland and Otago could get periods of heavy rain today.
Another front moving on to the far south of the South Island tomorrow morning could bring thunderstorms to parts of Fiordland, Southland and Clutha, and periods of heavy rain at times for Dunedin.
Conditions start to improve on Thursday and inland Otago starts to feel the heat on Friday with sun and a temperature of 20degC expected in Alexandra. Dunedinites have to wait until the weekend but will be rewarded with consecutive sunny days of 24degC, MetService predicts.
Central Otago is in line for a first taste of summer on Saturday, with a high of 30degC tipped for Alexandra and 27degC for Queenstown.
