Issued at 7:42am 13/03/2026

Valid from 7:42am 13/03/2026 to 1:00am 14/03/2026

A very humid air-mass continues to stream down across northern and central New Zealand. Over the North Island and northern parts of the South Island, daytime heating and wind convergence are likely to trigger heavy showers along with a low risk of thunderstorms, as depicted on the chart. However, this afternoon and evening there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms with heavy rain of 10 to 25 mm/h from southern Taumarunui and Taupo, down to the Tararua Range and Wairarapa, as drawn. For North Island regions, there is also a low risk of localised downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h, as indicated on the chart. Meanwhile, a cooler southwest change moves over the southern South Island during the afternoon and evening, and there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms for southern parts of North Otago, Dunedin, Clutha, eastern parts of Southland, and also about the fiords. A low risk of thunderstorms covers remaining parts of Fiordland, Southland and North Otago. Any thunderstorms that occur will likely be accompanied by brief heavy rain, and small hail about Southland and Otago. There is minimal risk of thunderstorms or significant convection elsewhere in New Zealand today.

Issued at 9:40am 13/03/2026

Valid from 1:00am 14/03/2026 to 1:00pm 14/03/2026

A trough moves northeast over the North Island during the morning. Late morning there is a low risk of thunderstorms about East Cape and the ranges of Gisborne/Tairawhiti. Meanwhile, although not shown on the chart, there is also a low risk of thunderstorms for the Chatham Islands. There is minimal risk of thunderstorms or significant convection elsewhere in New Zealand during Saturday morning.