MetService is warning Central Otago orchardists of thunderstorms this afternoon, bringing heavy rain and hail.
A MetService spokesman said daytime heating and low-level wind convergences were expected to produce showers about inland parts of the South Island.
"During this afternoon and evening, there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms for the very far south of the Canterbury High Country and Central Otago.
"If these thunderstorms occur, they may be accompanied by heavy rain with localised intensities of 10mm per hour to 25mm per hour, and hail of 5mm to 15mm in diameter."
He said there was also the possibility of thunderstorms around the eastern Queenstown Lakes across to Clutha, Dunedin and North Otago.
