Update on wind, surf and rain conditions for the east coast and frost for parts of the south
20/07/2022
Issued: 20 July 2022
Winds and powerful surf expected for Queensland and New South Wales
An east coast low is forecast to develop off the south-east Queensland coast on Friday, though this system is currently expected to remain offshore and primarily bring wave and wind impacts to coastal areas along the Southern Queensland and northern New South Wales coastline.
The strength of the wind and waves will be highly dependent on the strength and position of the low relative to the coast and will be closely monitored during the next few days.
Damaging winds in excess of 90km/hr may develop around the south-east Queensland coast and adjacent hinterland areas on Friday and early Saturday. A Severe Weather Warning may be issued as early as Thursday. Marine Wind Warnings are already in place for Queensland and New South Wales.
Hazardous to potentially dangerous surf conditions are expected for south-east Queensland beaches exposed to wave action from as early as Thursday and from Friday for northern New South Wales. This will likely continue throughout the weekend and extensive coastal erosion could occur in parts. Warnings for damaging surf may be issued for southern Queensland and northern New South Wales from Thursday.
At this stage, although some unseasonal rain is expected from Thursday in southern Queensland and from Friday in northern New South Wales, the heaviest falls are expected to be located offshore.
While there is no Flood Watch current, the Bureau will continue to monitor conditions and update warnings based on the latest forecasts.
Wet and windy conditions may develop at Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island during the weekend as the low develops and moves southeast, with the potential to see damaging winds.
Cold conditions set to continue for parts of southern Australia
A cold air mass associated with a high-pressure system is sitting over the south-east of Australia. Clear skies and light winds under this high are bringing a run of very cold mornings to Victoria, Tasmania, inland New South Wales/ACT, and eastern parts of South Australia.
Significant areas of frost are expected across these states, with severe frost a risk across some inland parts of Victoria and southern New South Wales. Frost warnings have already been issued, and more are likely each morning this week. Fog has also been observed.
On Wednesday morning, minimums dipped below zero for parts of Victoria, Tasmania, south-east South Australia and southern New South Wales. Melbourne Olympic Park recorded its coldest morning in 4 years (minimum was 0.8C, last time it was that cold was August 2018, also 0.8C).
Communities are encouraged to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings through the Bureau's website and BOM Weather app and follow the advice of emergency services.
