Updated 8:35pm — There are thunderstorms moving in to New Zealand from the Tasman Sea – not everyone is exposed but the cold front crossing New Zealand over the following 12 to 18 hours will spark a few flashes and booms as mid northerly quarter winds are replaced by air from the south.

As of 8:30pm thunderstorms were scattered across the main front out at sea to the west of Northland and Auckland.

Earlier today heavy downpours with thunder pushed into the West Coast in the South Island.

As people continue to set off fireworks Mother Nature will have her own areas of fireworks around Northland and Auckland and maybe Waikato, Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty too. 

Remember it’s not a widespread thunderstorm event – but for those who love (or hate!) thunder we wanted to give you a heads up.

Generally the risk is around the moderate levels for most places – severe thunderstorms are not in the forecast.  Hit and miss in nature so good luck if you love them (and good luck avoiding them if you hate them!).

Isolated thunderstorms are likely to develop in the Northland and Auckland regions before/around midnight and then into Monday AM for other areas in the north and north east of the North Island.

Thunderstorms may also pop up again during Monday across the upper half of the North Island – again isolated.

Rememember – when thunder roars, stay indoors!

**View the live and free Lightning Tracker(s) here**

– WeatherWatch.co.nz