Thunderstorm Outlook
Issued at 7:11am 13/11/2026
Valid from 7:11am 13/11/2026 to 1:00am 14/11/2026
A slow-moving high lies over the country. During the afternoon, sea breezes are expected to develop in many places. Over Northland, the convergence of sea breezes is expected to produce some showers and there is a low risk of thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening. Elsewhere, the risk of severe convection or thunderstorms is minimal.
Issued at 8:12pm 13/11/2026
Valid from 1:00am 14/11/2026 to 1:00pm 14/11/2026
There is minimal risk of thunderstorms or significant convection during this period.
Issued at 10:02am 13/11/2026
Valid from 1:00pm 14/11/2026 to 1:00am 15/11/2026
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.
