A new low moving in off the Tasman Sea will bring more wind and rain to the North Island this afternoon and tonight.

Some of that rain may fall from thunderstorms.  Some heavy falls are also possible.

The best chance for thunderstorms looks to be this afternoon and this evening from Auckland and Northland.

Other areas at significant risk for thunderstorms include Taranaki, western Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne/East Cape.  However, these areas are more likely to see thunderstorms after sunset.  The chances would then last into tonight.

Rainfall rates up to 15mm per hour and winds gusting up to 110 km/h are possible.

Small tornadoes are also possible.  However, the risk is small (less than 20%).

By WeatherWatch Analyst Howard Joseph