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 south of Napier and formed in Clive at 4.48pm," he said.
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.
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.
Highs of 23C and lows of 12C are expected.
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