Hannah FilmerJournalist·NZ Herald·5 Jun, 2026 12:00 AM2 mins to read‌View from Bay Vista Waterfront Motel as fork lightning strikes Waikawa Bay, Picton just before midnight. Video \ Kerry Sorensen-TylerWet and humid conditions, alongside warmer sea temperatures, have created the perfect cocktail for strong thunderstorms and lightning strikes.The South Island had more than 6200 lightning strikes overnight. Severe thunderstorm alerts were issued for the top half of the North Island as the electric storm sweeps up country.Lightning streaking across the sky in Blenheim late last night. Photo / Jenna Beaumont

Earth