Heatwave conditions in northern Australia while the south-east sees colder than average temperatures

08/12/2022

Issued: Thursday 8 December 2022

Last night thunderstorms swept across south-east Queensland, parts of Canberra and south-west Western Australia with lightning, strong winds up to 80 km/h and brief bursts of heavy rain.

A trough will sweep through south-east Queensland today with another trough and low-pressure system sweeping across southern Western Australia bringing showers and thunderstorms to both areas.

Severe thunderstorms are possible in south-east Queensland with damaging winds, large hail and heavy rainfall today.

Severe thunderstorms are also possible in southern and eastern Western Australia with damaging winds.

Heatwave Warnings are current for large parts of Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland. Heat has now eased in South Australia and Fire Weather Warnings have been issued for parts of Western Australia today.

Maximum temperatures will climb into the low to mid-40s across northern Australia and into the mid-to-high 30s for south-east Queensland and central Western Australia.

These daytime temperatures are between 4 to 8 degrees above average, and for many will be the hottest conditions since March.

Meanwhile south-east Australia is experiencing cooler than average conditions this week as a series of cold fronts bring showers, winds and snow in some alpine areas.

Maximum temperatures 6 to 12C below average are likely today and tomorrow across Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and much of South Australia spreading into northern New South Wales southern Queensland on Friday.

Light snow is possible today around the Alpine peaks of New South Wales and Victoria, and more substantial flurries above 800 – 900 m in Tasmania.

A Sheep Graziers Warning is current for parts of Victoria and Tasmania due to cold, wet and windy weather.

Communities are advised to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings via the Bureau's website and BOM weather app and follow the advice of emergency services.

ENDS