New Zealand could be hit by even more thunderstorms and heavy rain on Saturday as localised heating combines with atmospheric instability and air stream convergences.
"Showers are expected to affect parts of the South Island and the central and upper North Island this afternoon and evening," MetService says.
"During that time there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms for the Bay of Plenty, inland Gisborne and the ranges of Hawke's Bay, and also for eastern Taupo.
"These storms could be accompanied by heavy rain, 10 to 25mm/h and small hail.
There is also a low risk of thunderstorms in the broader area including the Coromandel Peninsula, eastern Waikato, the remainder of Taupo and Taihape, and also about eastern areas of Northland and northern Auckland.
For the South Island there is a low risk of thunderstorms in the north of Canterbury, mainly inland and for the south of Marlborough.
