A warning has been issued to millions of Aussies living along the east coast as severe thunderstorms and flash flooding threaten the area, amid predictions parts of Queensland will experience the wettest December in over a decade.
Meanwhile, a heatwave continues to sweep over the western parts of the country.
A heavy downpour has swept across parts of the Queensland in recent days with areas around Brisbane receiving 127mm of rain in the past 12 hours. However, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, more rain and thunderstorms are expected to hit the state’s east on Wednesday, and in the coming days.
According to Bom meteorologist Felim Hanniffy, the southeast is on track for the wettest December since 2010, when 479mm of rain fell in a month, the ABC reported. So far this December, the region has recorded 301mm, with more to come over the next two weeks.
Ipswich, Somerset, Lockyer Valley, Brisbane City and Moreton Bay were hit with a sweeping storm on Tuesday, bringing heavy rain and causing flooding. Roads were cut off, with the State Emergency Service receiving almost 80 calls for help from midday on Monday.
Almost 20 dams across the southeast were spilling on Tuesday, with the region’s biggest Wivenhoe beginning releases for what was believed to be the first time in two years.
⛈️ Thunderstorm FORECAST for TOMORROW (18/12): Severe thunderstorms with heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding are possible over eastern districts south of Ingham and adjacent inland areas.
Storms possible over most of the state.
Forecasts: https://t.co/2rVtusngEX pic.twitter.com/oUBXpcAhTp
— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) December 17, 2024
‘Sever thunderstorms and heavy rainfall’ expected across Aussie state
Issuing a warning on Tuesday evening, Bom said “storms are possible over most of the state” on Wednesday, with wet weather expected to hang around for days to come. It’s feared the weather this week could be as “catastrophic” as the record-breaking 2022 flooding event which caused $2.5 billion in damages across the state. It also impacts parts of northern New South Wales.
“Severe thunderstorms with heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding are possible over eastern districts south of Ingham and adjacent inland areas,” Bom said in its latest update. Damaging winds are also expected in areas further north.
Flash flooding has been felt across parts of Queensland in reecnt days with more rainfall expected. AAP
Experts on watch as tropical low looms
As a wet week lies ahead, experts warn a tropical low may also form off Queensland, however there is a low chance it will develop into the season’s first tropical cyclone. Models have it tracking across the coast near Coen and moving away between Cairns and Townsville into the Coral Sea by the weekend.
“It’s a low chance of developing into a tropical cyclone from Friday,” a bureau spokesman told AAP. “But most models don’t see it developing. They keep it as a weak low pressure system even as it moves off the coast.”
The predicted low is set to move away from the north Queensland coast, taking the rain with it. “So we should see a lot less rainfall by Tuesday next week. It’s a brief boost of monsoon-like conditions,” the spokesman said.
Parts of Australia to experience scorching temperatures
Further south in New South Wales, Sydney on Tuesday sizzled through a heatwave with temperatures reaching 42C in the outer western pockets of the city. More than 2,500 people were left without power before it was restored shortly before midday. Cooler temperatures are expected on Wednesday.
Over the weekend, the mercury will soar to the high 40s in parts of Western Australia, including 35C in Perth. The central and eastern regions of the country, with also experience scorching conditions.
Temperatures will reach the low 40s in far west NSW and a sunny 27C in Sydney.
As the heat continues to grip the state, Health Minister Ryan Park told residents to be extra cautious if heading outside. “During our periods of high temperatures our health system can see a significant increase in heat-related presentations” he said.
with NCA Newswire and AAP
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