Weather front could bring thunderstorms to parts of NZ, Northland most at risk
Thursday, 6 August 2020
A weather front moving over New Zealand is expected to bring thunderstorms to parts of the country, with the greatest risk in Northland.
On Thursday, MetService said the front continues to move over the Tasman Sea into the afternoon and evening.
“There is a general low risk of thunderstorms associated with these features that spreads onto the west of the South Island and north of the North Island during the afternoon, evening and tonight,” MetService said.
“For northern Northland, the risk of thunderstorms increases to moderate during the afternoon then eases again tonight.”
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In southern parts of Northland and Auckland, there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms from Thursday evening.
There is also moderate risk in northern Fiordland, Westland, Buller and Nelson.
If these thunderstorms do hit, MetService said heavy rain could accompany them – with up to 25 millimetres per hour.
In Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Coromandel, the thunderstorm risk continues into Friday.
“These thunderstorms may bring localised heavy rain with intensities of 10 to 25mm per hour and small hail.”
MetService also has heavy rain watches in place for the Nelson and Richmond range areas at the top of the South Island.
The watches are in place until 6am on Friday.