MetService lifts severe thunderstorm warning for Hastings district, stormy conditions to persist

MetService has lifted a severe thunderstorm warning for the Hastings district this afternoon, but stormy conditions and sweltering temperatures are set to persist over the coming days.

Wednesday will bring “all the feels of summer”, MetService said, with warm weather and sunny skies, but more thunderstorms are possible.

“Some thunderstorm activity got going in Hawke’s Bay this afternoon and a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for a thunderstorm cell that brought heavy downpours.

“Areas for possible thunderstorms include inland Nelson/Tasman, Marlborough and Buller, as well as inland Tairāwhiti-Gisborne and Bay of Plenty.”

MetService is encouraging people to keep an eye on forecasts with the next large-scale weather system possible this weekend, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.

It’s also likely heat alerts will be issued with temperatures set to soar on Thursday.

Lightning is beginning to spark about the ranges inland from Hawke’s Bay 🌩

The risk of thunderstorms and heavy showers will continue this evening for a decent chunk of the eastern ranges of the North Island.

For your local forecast: https://t.co/Yjbq0jgaoz
For the thunderstorm… pic.twitter.com/3WMZkJCMnO

— MetService NZ (@MetService) February 10, 2026

MetService meteorologist Silvia Martino said afternoon temperatures were set to climb into the high 20s on Thursday, with some places in Wairarapa and Canterbury potentially cracking 30C – 6-7C above average for this time of year.

“It could get uncomfortably hot later in the week, with several spots in the lower North Island set to approach or exceed their heat alert thresholds and overnight temperatures in the high teens not allowing time for recovery,” Martino said.

Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne may see a “lightning spark or two up in the ranges” as the heat clashes with an odd shower, Martino said.

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