Thunderstorm Outlook
Issued at 7:23am 30/03/2026
Valid from 7:23am 30/03/2026 to 1:00am 31/03/2026
A large trough over the country slowly moves off to the east. Several fronts in the trough pass over New Zealand during the day. There is a low risk of thunderstorms this morning and afternoon about western Tasman and Buller. During the afternoon and evening there is a low risk of thunderstorms about Gisborne/Tairawhiti, northern Hawke's Bay, southern Wairarapa, Wellington, Nelson, eastern Tasman, Marlborough, North Canterbury and inland Mid-Canterbury. For much of Marlborough and the far north of Canterbury, the risk of thunderstorms increases to moderate for a time in the afternoon. These thunderstorms may bring localised heavy rain with intensities of 10 to 20 mm per hour and small hail. Elsewhere in New Zealand, the risk of thunderstorms or severe convection is minimal.
Issued at 7:26pm 30/03/2026
Valid from 1:00am 31/03/2026 to 1:00pm 31/03/2026
There is minimal risk of thunderstorms or significant convection during this period.
Issued at 10:06am 30/03/2026
Valid from 1:00pm 31/03/2026 to 1:00am 1/04/2026
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.
