Severe Weather Warning for Australians
Australians are being warned of extreme weather conditions, including golf ball-sized hail, flash flooding, and strong wind gusts, as thunderstorms are expected across much of the country due to an unstable atmosphere. Sky News Weather meteorologist Alison Osbourne explained that the storms could affect a wide area, stretching from Western Australia to Queensland and New South Wales on Tuesday, driven by a humid and unstable environment.

Thunderstorms and Hail Risk
Clouds are predicted to build throughout the day, leading to thunderstorms in Queensland and New South Wales, especially in the afternoon. There’s a possibility of hail the size of golf balls in parts of New South Wales, particularly in western Sydney and Canberra. Thunderstorms in eastern New South Wales could bring large wind gusts, heavy rain, and flash flooding. In central Queensland, storms could cause heavy downpours and further flash flooding.
Cool Front and Heat Spikes
A cool front is expected to move through Western Australia and South Australia on Tuesday, bringing showers and thunderstorms to the southeast. On Wednesday, a cold front will cross through Victoria and Tasmania, bringing a heightened risk of storm activity across these states. In New South Wales, including Sydney, heat spikes are forecast for Wednesday, with temperatures reaching 31°C and possible thunderstorms. Meanwhile, Melbourne is expected to see a high of 28°C with showers, while Brisbane will experience 37°C on Thursday with thunderstorms and showers throughout the week. Perth will reach 40°C on Thursday before potential showers on Friday.
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Severe Weather Explained
Severe weather refers to extreme or intense weather conditions that can cause significant damage or disruption to daily life. This type of weather includes phenomena such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, heatwaves, hailstorms, flash floods, and blizzards. These events are often sudden and unpredictable, which is why timely warnings and preparation are crucial.
Key Types of Severe Weather
- Thunderstorms: These storms are characterized by heavy rainfall, strong winds, lightning, and sometimes hail. They can lead to flash flooding and cause damage to structures and trees due to strong gusts of wind.
- Hailstorms: In a hailstorm, ice pellets (hailstones) form in the upper levels of thunderstorms and fall to the ground, causing damage to crops, vehicles, roofs, and windows. Hailstones can range in size from small pellets to larger chunks, sometimes the size of golf balls or even bigger.
- Flash Flooding: Flash floods occur rapidly, often within six hours of heavy rainfall, leading to sudden surges in water levels in rivers, streams, and urban areas. This can cause dangerous conditions, especially in low-lying areas.
- Heatwaves: Extended periods of excessively hot weather can be harmful to health and the environment. Heatwaves increase the risk of heat stroke, dehydration, and wildfires.
- Tornadoes and Hurricanes: Tornadoes are violent, rotating columns of air that can cause extreme damage over short distances. Hurricanes (also known as typhoons or cyclones, depending on the region) are powerful tropical storms that can lead to severe flooding, storm surges, and wind damage over vast areas.
Impacts of Severe Weather
Severe weather events can cause destruction to infrastructure, including buildings, roads, and power lines. These events can also lead to loss of life, damage to agriculture, and disruptions to daily activities like transport and schooling. Additionally, they can place a strain on emergency services, healthcare facilities, and government resources.
Preparation and Safety
When severe weather is forecasted, it is important for people to stay informed through weather updates. Taking necessary precautions such as securing outdoor items, avoiding travel during dangerous conditions, and ensuring access to emergency supplies (like water, food, and first-aid kits) can reduce the impact of severe weather events.
By understanding the risks and following safety guidelines, people can stay safer and help reduce the damages caused by these extreme weather events.