Don't forget the umbrella! Risk of thunderstorms for Auckland, Waikato and Northland today

November 15, 2017
A severe thunderstorm hit Dunedin bringing a torrent hail and rain – right in the middle of summer.

Severe thunderstorms may again descend on northern parts of New Zealand after large hail and extensive lightning struck areas yesterday.

MetService is forecasting a risk of thunderstorms this afternoon into the evening from eastern Waikato and Waitomo north.

Northland and northern parts of Auckland are also showing a low risk of similar severe thunderstorms.

MetService meteorologist Mike O'Connor said the weather conditions that produced yesterday's storms would be essentially replicated today.

"It's a good set up for thunderstorms because at higher levels we have some cold air, we call it an upper level cold pool, down at the surface we've got quite warm moist air," Mr O'Connor said.

"The main point is the cold air aloft and the warmer air down on the surface, so it's a good set up to destabilise the atmosphere."

The thunderstorms yesterday pelted certain regions of Auckland with golf ball sized hail for up to 30 minutes straight.

Almost 400 lightening strikes were recorded during the day in Auckland yesterday also.

On the bright-side, most of the rest of the country is set to have relatively fine weather today.

Hamilton does have the risk of potentially heavy rain in the afternoon and evening.

Tauranga, which has already experience some early morning rain, should clear throughout the day.

Wellington should be fine with some light winds.

Palmerston North, New Plymouth and Napier are all forecast to be fine, and Queenstown is looking sunny. 

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