0 Much of the country sees a risk of Thunderstorms
- News
- by Stuart Gunn
- 21-12-2024

A complex low pressure system with embedded rain-bands and cooling temperatures aloft means much of the country will be unstable today with thunderstorms expected in many areas.
North Island -
- From southern Northland and Auckland southwards today, with the highest risk about the central North Island.
- Localised heavy rain and hail, along with strong wind gusts of 80-100 km/h in some areas.
- For areas south of Auckland, there is a low risk a few of the thunderstorms could be severe with localised downpours of 25-40mm/h and possibly one or two small tornadoes which could cause localised wind damage.
- For Bay of Plenty the risk of severe thunderstorms producing downpours is considered moderate and a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is currently in force. Any localised downpours that occur may cause surface flooding and make driving conditions hazardous. There is also a low risk of thunderstorms for other parts of Northland until mid afternoon.
South Island,
- Moderate risk of thunderstorms about many northern and central areas from Tasman/Nelson to Canterbury and North Otago, with a low risk elsewhere as indicated on the chart.
- These thunderstorms bring brief heavy rain 10-25 mm/h and small hail, along with a low risk of downpours. However, about inland parts of Mid and South Canterbury and North Otago, the risk of localised downpours of 20-40mm/h is considered moderate in the late afternoon and evening, and a Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for this area.
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