More thunderstorms are predicted today across New Zealand however for the first time in over three no severe thunderstorms are predicted.

MetService says an east to southeast gradient covers the North Island today, although afternoon onshore breezes are still expected in western areas. “The convergence between these opposing flows and afternoon heating are again expected to produce showers and thunderstorms about central and western parts of the North Island”…

“There is a high risk of thunderstorms this afternoon and evening about western parts of Waikato down to inland Wanganui, and a moderate risk extending further across to the western Bay of Plenty and Central Plateau, and also about northern Manawatu and southern parts of Auckland” says MetService.

“Any thunderstorms that eventuate here are likely to be slow moving and therefore produce heavy rainfalls of 15 to 25mm per hour, and possibly more. Hail of up to 20mm in diameter is also possible with any of these thunderstorms. There is also a low risk of thunderstorms for the remainder of Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Manawatu, as well as the Kapiti Coast and Wellington, as indicated on the  chart” (see below)

MetService says showers are again expected to develop over inland parts of the South Island this afternoon, with further thunderstorms likely. There is a high risk of thunderstorms about the ranges of Nelson, Marlborough and North Canterbury late afternoon and early evening, with a moderate risk extending down through the remainder of the Canterbury High Country. Any thunderstorms that eventuate in these areas are also likely to be slow moving, with rainfall rates of 15 to 25mm per hour, or possibly more, and with hail up to 15mm in diameter.