Eastern Australia Faces Torrential Rains, Thunderstorms, and Intense Heatwave
Eastern Australia is gearing up for a weekend of extreme weather as it experiences a rare confluence of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and a heatwave. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued warnings for flash flooding and severe thunderstorms, with conditions fueled by a tropical air mass and a coastal trough system. This weekend’s events serve as a stark reminder of the peak summer weather extremes Australians are accustomed to, amplified this year by emerging La Niña conditions.
Heavy rain is set to drench eastern Queensland and northeastern New South Wales, with rainfall totals potentially exceeding 100 millimeters in some areas. Regions from Rockhampton to Port Macquarie, including Brisbane, are bracing for significant rain, with flood watches in place for key rivers like the Dawson and Burnett. Rainfall could become more concentrated along the New South Wales northern coastline by Sunday, further raising the risk of flash flooding in vulnerable areas.
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Meanwhile, a phenomenon known as the "black nor'-easter" is driving this intense weather. This historical term refers to the humid north-easterly winds that bring copious moisture to a coastal trough, creating dark storm clouds and heavy rains. Enhanced by record-high sea surface temperatures—up to 6°C above average in some areas—this weather pattern is supercharged, making flooding rains and prolonged storms more likely.
Thunderstorms are predicted across the eastern seaboard, with lightning possible in all eastern capitals, from Brisbane to Hobart. While flash flooding remains the primary concern due to abundant moisture and slow-moving winds, the threat of damaging hail or strong winds is lower due to a lack of drier, cooler air in the storm's mid-levels.
Adding to the challenges, a heatwave is gripping inland and tropical Queensland, with temperatures soaring into the mid-40s in central regions. Coastal Queensland is also experiencing unusually high humidity, with "extreme" heatwave conditions posing significant health risks.
As La Niña sets in, Australia faces a wetter and stormier outlook for the remainder of summer. While BOM may not officially declare this a La Niña year due to its potential short duration, the impacts are evident. The nation is urged to remain vigilant as heavy rainfall and heatwaves create a volatile summer landscape.
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