There's a risk of more hail falling later this afternoon and evening, similar to what was seen in Mount Maunganui last night.

'At the moment we've got a moderate risk for thunderstorms in that area for this afternoon and evening,” says MetService meteorologist Kyle Lee.

'We are starting to see some lightning strikes in some areas to the south and central area so it is starting to get active.

'We've got a risk for hail between 5-20mm to fall toward the surface in those regions because there is still a cold pool aloft in those regions.”

He recommends keeping an eye on the rain radar.

'We've had a few sparks start to get up already in the more southern parts of the North Island, so it is starting to get more active.

'So yes, it does look like if it does form there is a strong likelihood that it will fall as hail for the region.

'Obviously it is an hour and a half or two hours into the afternoon, so there's still a bit of time for those to get going.”

It's a moderate risk and there is still a long way to go, says Kyle.

To view the lightning strikes around New Zealand click here.