A large low that has been spiralling off the west coast of New Zealand will slowly track across the country today bringing heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms as it does so.

The crown forecaster says much of the North Island has a risk of thunderstorms today.

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WeatherWatch.co.nz says while conditions are unstable thunderstorm activity will likely be quite isolated.

The centre of the low is going to track across Waikato tonight.

“Bands of heavy showers are expected over the northern and central North Island and there is a moderate risk of isolated thunderstorms with brief heavy rain 10 to 15mm/hr and hail 5 to 15mm diameter during the afternoon and evening. There could also be gusts of 70-90km/hr north of Auckland city” says MetService.

“A trough is forecast to form over Hawkes Bay in the afternoon and evening. This could also trigger a few thunderstorms in the vicinity with localised heavy rain and hail 5-15mm diameter”.

The MetService says the risk of isolated thunderstorms is lower further north in the Gisborne region during the afternoon, and further south to Wairarapa, across the Ruahine ranges to northern Manawatu, Wanganui and Golden Bay in the afternoon and early evening.
 

Homepage image / Graeme Williams

Images courtesy: NZ Govt