Millions of Australians are bracing themselves for severe thunderstorms that could bring chaos to northern and eastern parts of the country, including Sydney, Brisbane, and Canberra. A severe thunderstorm risk has been issued for Saturday afternoon and evening, with warnings in place for several states.
According to Angus Hines, a senior meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology, the storm system is "extensive" and stretches from the tropical north to central and eastern Australia. The high levels of moisture dragged down from the tropics are interacting with pressure differences in the air, creating upwards motion that's priming the atmosphere for storms.
Residents can expect strong winds, heavy rainfall, and the risk of trees and powerlines being brought down. The risk is considered extreme in parts of New South Wales, particularly in the western slopes and plains where hot and windy conditions could lead to bushfires.
In fact, total fire bans are currently in place in several areas, including the northern Riverina and lower central west plains. While the fire risk is expected to ease on Sunday and Monday, it's likely to remain high across much of the state.
Meanwhile, stormy conditions are set to clear across southern parts of Australia by Sunday, but far northern NSW and south-east Queensland will still be at risk for more storms on Sunday. The Bureau of Meteorology is also monitoring a low-pressure system in the Timor Sea that could potentially develop into a tropical cyclone by Thursday and Friday next week.
The storms are expected to bring widespread disruption, with millions of Australians potentially affected. Residents are advised to keep an eye out for thunderstorm warnings and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
According to Angus Hines, a senior meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology, the storm system is "extensive" and stretches from the tropical north to central and eastern Australia. The high levels of moisture dragged down from the tropics are interacting with pressure differences in the air, creating upwards motion that's priming the atmosphere for storms.
Residents can expect strong winds, heavy rainfall, and the risk of trees and powerlines being brought down. The risk is considered extreme in parts of New South Wales, particularly in the western slopes and plains where hot and windy conditions could lead to bushfires.
In fact, total fire bans are currently in place in several areas, including the northern Riverina and lower central west plains. While the fire risk is expected to ease on Sunday and Monday, it's likely to remain high across much of the state.
Meanwhile, stormy conditions are set to clear across southern parts of Australia by Sunday, but far northern NSW and south-east Queensland will still be at risk for more storms on Sunday. The Bureau of Meteorology is also monitoring a low-pressure system in the Timor Sea that could potentially develop into a tropical cyclone by Thursday and Friday next week.
The storms are expected to bring widespread disruption, with millions of Australians potentially affected. Residents are advised to keep an eye out for thunderstorm warnings and take necessary precautions to stay safe.