Thunderstorm Outlook
Issued at 7:36am 26/06/2026
Valid from 7:36am 26/06/2026 to Midnight 26/06/2026
A complex low to the northeast of the North Island directs a strong south to southeast flow over northern and central New Zealand during the second half of Friday. There is a low risk of thunderstorms embedded in bands of heavy rain about Gisborne/Tairawhiti this morning and afternoon, about Hawke's Bay north of Napier this afternoon, and about the remainder of Hawke's Bay to Wairarapa during the latter half of the day, as drawn on the chart. There is minimal risk of thunderstorms or significant convection elsewhere in New Zealand today.
Issued at 7:04pm 26/06/2026
Valid from Midnight 26/06/2026 to Midday 27/06/2026
There is minimal risk of thunderstorms or significant convection during this period.
Issued at 8:51am 26/06/2026
Valid from Midday 27/06/2026 to Midnight 27/06/2026
A low to the northeast of the North Island continues to direct a strong southeast flow over northern and central New Zealand. There is a low risk of thunderstorms embedded in bands of heavy rain about Gisborne/Tairawhiti throughout the latter half of Saturday, about the Wairoa District during the afternoon and evening, and about the remainder of Hawke's Bay during the afternoon, as drawn on the chart. There is minimal risk of thunderstorms or significant convection elsewhere in New Zealand 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.
