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National Weather Update: Severe thunderstorms and rain set to return across eastern Australia amid heat and fire danger conditions in the north and central Australia

28/12/2023

With further severe weather forecast for parts of eastern Australia for the final weekend of 2023, the Bureau of Meteorology is urging the community to refer to the BOM weather app and website for the latest forecasts and warnings.

Severe thunderstorms have temporarily eased across eastern Australia but are expected to redevelop about eastern Queensland and northeast New South Wales from Saturday, continuing into the New Year.

Conditions have now generally eased across eastern Australia, with thunderstorms becoming more isolated in the next few days. However, severe thunderstorms are forecast to return from this weekend, including on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Senior meteorologist Sarah Scully said on Thursday (today), isolated thunderstorms are possible for parts of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

"Severe thunderstorms are possible in Queensland between St Lawrence and Redcliffe, although activity will not be as widespread compared to previous days. Isolated gusty thunderstorms are also possible over western South Australia," Ms Scully said.

On Friday, showers and storms are possible across parts of southern and eastern Australia, mainly New South Wales, eastern South Australia, and northern Victoria. There is a risk of severe thunderstorms about Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Hunter regions.

Severe thunderstorms will become more widespread from this weekend. The focus areas will be north-east NSW, and south-east and central Queensland. There are indications that isolated, very dangerous thunderstorms with destructive winds, giant hail and intense rainfall may be possible across southeast Queensland on Saturday.

"Our focus is always on supporting the safety and security of the Australian community and everyone is encouraged to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings."

"The best way to do this is to check the BOM Weather app or website for current weather warnings in your location and if you are travelling, make sure to update your location."

Heatwave conditions are impacting much of northern Australia, with temperatures climbing into the mid-to-high 40s in some areas. Heatwave warnings are current.

In Western Australia, low to severe-intensity heatwave conditions extend through the Kimberley, eastern Pilbara and Interior districts, reaching extreme intensity in some areas. Marble Bar is forecast to reach 49°C on Saturday and is expected to reach 45°C for the next 6 days.

In the Northern Territory, low to severe-intensity heatwave conditions cover most areas. Locally extreme heatwave levels are forecast around Darwin where warm minimums are leading to uncomfortable nights.

In Queensland, low to locally severe heatwave conditions are building along the east coast, including Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and areas surrounding Cairns. Extreme heatwave conditions are forecast for parts of northern Queensland, while in the west both Longreach and Julia Creek are forecast to reach 47°C this weekend.

Know your weather. Know your risk. Stay up to date with the Bureau's forecasts and warnings via the Bureau's website, BOM Weather app or social media.