Thunderstorm Outlook
Issued at 8:03am 15/11/2026
Valid from 8:03am 15/11/2026 to 1:00am 16/11/2026
daytime heating and low level convergent winds are expected to produce isolated showers in central and northern areas of the North Island this afternoon and early evening. About inland areas of Waikato to western Taupo, and also about Hawke's Bay south of Napier and the Tararua District, there is a low risk of isolated thunderstorms associated with them. No thunderstorms or significant convection expected in other areas of New Zealand during this period.
Issued at 7:55pm 15/11/2026
Valid from 1:00am 16/11/2026 to 1:00pm 16/11/2026
There is minimal risk of thunderstorms or significant convection during this period.
Issued at 9:15am 15/11/2026
Valid from 1:00pm 16/11/2026 to 1:00am 17/11/2026
There is minimal risk of thunderstorms or significant convection during this period.
Severe Thunderstorm Criteria
In New Zealand, MetService classifies a thunderstorm as severe if one or more of the following criteria are met:
Heavy rain (from thunderstorms):
Rainfall of 25mm/h, or more.
Large hail:
Hailstones 20mm in diameter, or larger.
Strong wind gusts (from thunderstorms):
Gusts of 110km/h (60 knots) or stronger.
Damaging tornadoes:
Fujita F1 - i.e. wind speeds greater than 116km/h (63 knots) or stronger.
Note: some tornadic systems such as funnel clouds, waterspouts and small land-based tornadoes are possible with thunderstorms that may not be classified as severe.
