The MetService is warning residents there is an elevated risk of thunderstorms for inland areas from Bay of Plenty through to Hawke's Bay this afternoon.

Conditions remain unstable today across the central North Island and upper South Island in the presence of a significant cold pool aloft, says a statement from the MetService.

There is a chance of thunderstorms in the Bay this afternoon.

'Daytime heating and onshore winds will trigger showers from late morning into the afternoon about many areas from Auckland to Taihape, also in the northwest of the South Island,” they say.

'Some of these showers are likely to be heavy with small hail and a general low of one or two thunderstorms.”

In the Bay of Plenty, any thunderstorms will bring heavy rain locally, with rates 10-20mm/h and hail reaching 10-15mm in diameter.

'Finally, there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms over the sea just west of Auckland and Waikato tonight associated with a trough and shallow low just offshore,” adds the MetService.

'While thunderstorms will probably remain over the sea, heavy showers with hail may drift onto western coasts.”