A patch of aggressive thunderstorms is currently moving north out at sea off Auckland’s west coast.

In the past hour the Lightning Tracker at WeatherWatch.co.nz has recorded almost 500 lightning strikes.

The thunderstorms aren’t expected to make a direct hit on land however WeatherWatch says those on the west coast should be aware of them in case they do brush the coast.  They could bring sudden dangerous seas and lightning strikes.

MetService says there’s a moderate risk that they will do this along Auckland and Northland’s west coast.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says while there’s a heightened risk of a shower today in Auckland and Northland they have downgraded the chances of rain tomorrow and Monday from a deep low near East Cape.

Heavy rain is still likely about Gisborne and Hawkes Bay.