A significant and dangerous weather system is set to batter large parts of Australia this weekend, with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing severe storm warnings for the eastern states. The event is expected to bring a potent mix of damaging winds, large hail, and intense rainfall capable of triggering flash flooding.
Queensland and NSW in the firing line
The north-eastern parts of New South Wales and south-east Queensland are forecast to be "particularly wet" according to meteorologists. The situation is especially concerning for Queensland, which is facing its fifth consecutive weekend of severe storms.
Brisbane is preparing for a drenching, with up to 80mm of rain predicted from Friday through Sunday. Senior BoM meteorologist Sarah Scully warned that damaging storms developing on Friday night would likely persist for much of the weekend. Specific regions such as the Darling Downs, south-east Queensland, and parts of Maranoa and Warrego are under threat of severe storms, a worrying prospect just two weeks after supercell storms caused significant damage in the area.
National weather impacts and warnings
The wet weather is not confined to the east coast. Showers and storms are forecast in all states and territories over the coming days. However, the dynamics are different across the country.
In Sydney, residents will experience a cooler start to Saturday with a low of 17C, before temperatures climb to a top of 31C by Sunday. The city is bracing for "a wet Saturday" with potential showers and a possible afternoon or evening storm. Severe storms are also a possibility for the south coast, the ranges, and the Blue Mountains.
Melbourne will see milder temperatures, reaching a top of 21C on both weekend days, but will also face the chance of morning thunderstorms and further showers into Sunday afternoon and evening.
Meanwhile, Western Australia's northern parts can expect showers and storms, though Perth will enjoy sunny skies with temperatures reaching 29C. In a separate development, the BoM has flagged the potential for a tropical low cyclone to form north of the Kimberley or Northern Territory next week, though the probability currently remains low.
Cause and additional dangers
Ms Scully explained that the widespread unstable conditions are being driven by "multiple troughs of low pressure that's combining with tropical moisture." This system is creating a cloud band that will extend far south, even reaching Tasmania.
Beyond the immediate storm and flood threat, authorities have also issued an extreme fire danger warning for the NSW central and southern slopes and plains, highlighting the volatile and contrasting nature of Australia's severe weather season.
