Water spout spotted over Napier during hail and thunderstorm. Video / Shannon Johnstone / Supplied
A water spout formed caused by ongoing thunderstorms off the coast of Napier tonight.
MetService meteorologist Tuporo Marsters said the water spout was caused by unstable conditions and thunderstorms off the coast of Hawke's Bay late afternoon.
"It was a convective storm cell that developed just off the coast southof Napier and formed in Clive at 4.48pm," he said.
The water spout formed off the coast of Napier. Photo / Adam Kerry
Many people took to social media to post photos and comment on the hail, thunder and lightning that struck the city's surrounds.
According to MetService, Napier recorded the highest temperature nationwide today with highs of 25C.
Hastings (22C) and Gisborne (22C) weren't too far behind, while Palmerston North, Whitianga, Whangarei, Bay of Islands and Kaitaia all recorded highs of 21C.
A water spout formed off the coast of Napier on Wednesday evening. Photo / Shannon Johnstone
According to MetService's 'Water Activities', there was poor visibility due to showers this evening, with possible thunderstorms.
Tomorrow will see mainly fine spells in Napier with high clouds at times, while north westerlies are expected in the morning.
