Thunderstorms capable of producing marble-sized hail and flooding are shadowing Auckland and Northland.
A severe thunderstorm watch is in place in the upper North Island as temperatures ramp up across the country.
MetService said there was a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms and downpours. The rain could cause flash flooding or slips, particularly near streams, rivers or narrow valleys.
Fiordland and Westland in the South also have potential for heavy rainfall. From Sunday night Fiordland will be under a heavy rain watch, with Westland’s heavy rain watch beginning in the early hours of Monday morning.
MetService said thunderstorms were also possible.
There was a moderate chance of the watch being upgraded to a warning.
MetService warned that driving conditions would be “hazardous”.
Flight delays
Several flights were delayed at Auckland Airport due to fog restrictions on Saturday morning.
Passengers were asked to check the airport’s website to keep up with the latest flight arrival and departure information.
The airport lifted the restrictions around 10am.
The sheet of thick fog over the airport delayed nine domestic flights and cancelled 23 others between 6.30am and 9.30am.
One international flight from New York was delayed, but has now landed safely.
rnz.co.nz
