Thunderstorm Outlook
Issued at 8:23am 27/06/2026
Valid from 8:23am 27/06/2026 to Midnight 27/06/2026
A low to the northeast of the North Island continues to direct a southeast flow over northern and central New Zealand. There is a low risk of thunderstorms about the coastal areas from Wairarapa north of Flat Point to Gisborne/Tairawhiti from late afternoon, as drawn on the chart. There is minimal risk of thunderstorms or significant convection elsewhere in New Zealand during this period.
Issued at 7:12pm 27/06/2026
Valid from Midnight 27/06/2026 to Midday 28/06/2026
A showery southeasterly flow affects the northeast of the North Island, and there is a low risk of thunderstorms about Gisborne/Tairawhiti north of Ruatoria before dawn. There is minimal risk of thunderstorms or significant convection elsewhere in New Zealand during Sunday morning.
Issued at 8:54am 27/06/2026
Valid from Midday 28/06/2026 to Midnight 28/06/2026
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.
