Showers and a few thunderstorms are dotting the North Island this morning.

The area of low pressure that helped bring thunderstorms to Canterbury yesterday will continue to move east today.  At the same time, a strengthening west/southwest flow will develop over the North Island.

Showers are likely to pop up just about anywhere on the NI today.  But for the southern two-thirds of the island, there is a risk for thunderstorms.  Already this morning, reports of a few claps of thunder have come in from the eastern parts of the island around the Bay of Plenty.

Severe thunderstorms capable of producing strong winds and 10-15mm diameter hail are possible today as well.  The greatest threat lies from Taranaki to the Kapiti Coat.  A lesser threat extends east to Hawkes Bay and north to South Waikato.  These thunderstorms would also be capable of producing heavy rain.

Homepage image/ Austin Soriano

-WeatherWatch.co.nz