Updated 12:47pm — A front moving towards New Zealand bringing a cold change is also expected to trigger a few thunderstorms as it moves in this afternoon says WeatherWatch.co.nz.

While crossing the western Tasman Sea on Monday the front was incredibly active with thousands of lightning strikes detected.

However, as is often the case, the thunderstorms can run out of some of their puff by the time they reach land. 

We can see the thunderstorms on satellite maps now, approaching northern New Zealand from the west but the Lightning Tracker doesn’t show much life.

At this stage we believe thunderstorms will be isolated.

Not all our models agree that thunderstorms are likely today.  We think Northland will be most exposed with a fairly high risk of thunderstorms. At this stage Auckland and Waikato have a moderate risk for an isolated thunderstorm as the front passes over – the risk is higher for Waikato than Auckland in our view, due to afternoon heating.

As with any potential severe thunderstorms – which are possible in isolated areas – hail, localised flash flooding and damaging winds are possible.   If you hear thunder remain indoors until the storms have passed. 

The front coming in is quite narrow.

Check back with WeatherWatch.co.nz for further updates and check out the Lightning Tracker (right hand side of the website). 

– WeatherWatch.co.nz