Australia is bracing for a weekend of contrasting weather extremes as rain continues to drench millions along the east coast, while heatwave conditions grip other parts of the country.
Millions on the east coast, including Sydney and Brisbane, will face showers and storms that have lingered for days. According to 7News, heavy rainfall is expected to persist, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting severe thunderstorms capable of causing flash flooding. Brisbane may also experience damaging wind gusts and hail.
Although temperatures will rise to the high 20s, the humidity will remain oppressive as easterly winds dominate the region. The Bureau’s senior meteorologist, Miriam Bradbury, warned that southeast Queensland could see heavy rainfall shift towards the coast by Saturday, making it Brisbane’s wettest day of the weekend. Meanwhile, Sydney faces continued rain and potential flooding, particularly around the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers.
In stark contrast, heatwave conditions are set to affect several states, including Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia. Heatwaves occur when temperatures exceed the average during both day and night over three consecutive days. In central Australia, inland Queensland, and parts of WA, temperatures could soar between 40°C and 44°C—up to 8°C above average.
Tasmania, known for its cooler climate, will see daytime highs in the low 30s and nighttime temperatures in the high teens. While these figures may not seem extreme compared to mainland Australia, they represent a significant deviation from Tasmania’s norms.
The elevated temperatures bring an increased risk of bushfires. Fire danger ratings across much of the nation remain at moderate to high. Although this is below the extreme rating that triggers total fire bans, Bradbury emphasized the need for vigilance, especially given Australia’s bushfire-prone nature during summer.
Western Victoria, southwest WA, Tasmania, and parts of South Australia face the highest fire danger this weekend. Bradbury specifically highlighted the Grampians region in Victoria, which recently experienced devastating bushfires, as an area of concern.
This weekend encapsulates the unpredictability of Australia’s climate: a deluge on one coast and scorching heat on another. Authorities urge residents to stay informed and prepared for the dual challenges of flooding and fire.