⚡Severe Thunderstorm risk tonight/AM for Upper North Island +Video & Chart

A subtopical low that has been meandering just north of the country is intensifying this evening and will track south/southeast overnight tonight and during the day on Tuesday - bringing a period of very heavy rain, elevated risk of thunderstorms, some of which may be severe bringing isolated downpours to Northland and Great Barrier Island through late morning.

Tuesday 21st December Thunderstorm Risk

Late on Monday evening a significant band of heavy rain will begin to move south onto the mainland.

There is a HIGH risk of thunderstorms for all of the Northland region apart from Cape Reinga and the far south as indicated until around mid to late morning. Any thunderstorms that do occur will bring heavy rain rates of 20-30mm/hr. There is also an ENHANCED risk of severe thunderstorms, with rain rates of more than 30mm/hr likely.

There is an ENHANCED risk of thunderstorms about Cape Reinga and far southern Northland until mid to late morning. Any thunderstorms that do occur will bring heavy rain rates of 10-20mm/hr, but 20-30mm/hr for Cape Reinga. There is also a SLIGHT risk of severe thunderstorms, with rain rates of more than 30mm/hr possible.

About Northern Auckland there is a SLIGHT risk of thunderstorms in the morning.

Our Significant Weather Outlook will be updated between 7pm and 8pm this evening, with heavy rain likely also for the Coromandel Peninsula, but also around East Cape later on Tuesday and Tuesday night - please check our Significant Weather Outlook once it has been updated for all of the latest rainfall total projections, but also the risk of severe E gales for some regions. CLICK HERE TO SEE SIGNIFICANT WEATHER OUTLOOK.