Thunderstorms set to wallop South Island as cold front hits NZ

Dark clouds are set to gather again on Wednesday afternoon for areas hit by a damaging storm on Monday.

Thunderstorms are expected for parts of the Canterbury Plains, eastern Marlborough, and Otago on Wednesday afternoon.

The good news is that they won't be as severe as they were on Monday, according to MetService meteorologist Claire Nixon.

"We have not indicated a risk of tornadoes or anything with these thunderstorms today [Wednesday]," she told Newshub.

NIWA says Christchurch, in particular, will be at risk of strong storms on Wednesday.

A "southwesterly airflow" is lying over New Zealand on Wednesday, WeatherWatch says, which will also bring patchy showers to the western North Island.

Auckland has been told to expect a few showers developing late Wednesday morning which will clear by evening.

There is more rain in store for the West Coast of the South Island, which will also clear on Wednesday evening.

"By Thursday and especially going into Friday warmer airflows move into both islands," WeatherWatch says.

"Between now and then it may be a little cooler at times, especially at night."

Hawke's Bay and Gisborne can also expect a light shower or two on Wednesday. 

The moment the violent tornado hit Christchurch on Monday.
The moment the violent tornado hit Christchurch on Monday. Photo credit: Supplied

Meanwhile, a street at the centre of an asbestos clean-up in Christchurch following Monday's tornado has now reopened.