The Bureau of Meteorology has issued urgent warnings for millions of Australians across the southeast, urging preparation for a severe weather event bringing flash flooding and storms over the coming days. As school holidays commence, a series of cold fronts will impact northern Victoria, northern Tasmania, and inland New South Wales most severely.
Heavy Rain and Flood Watches
A band of rain and storms stretching from western Queensland through New South Wales into Victoria will bring widespread showers, with flood watches and warnings already in place for parts of Victoria. Senior forecaster Angus Hines stated that 50mm to 100mm of rain could fall in some areas, with isolated locations potentially receiving even more. "It's multiple different weather systems coming through in quick succession, which is going to bring rain to much of the country," he said.
City Forecasts
While larger cities will see lower totals, Melbourne faces a particularly wet week. Hobart, Adelaide, Perth, and Canberra will also experience wet conditions. Sydney expects some rain, but the worst is forecast for inland New South Wales. Snow is expected in alpine areas from Thursday into Friday morning.
Flood Warnings Issued
A flood watch warning has been issued for parts of northeast and central Victoria, with a minor flood warning already active for the Kiewa River. "Most of that rain is still to come. So these rivers are likely to see rises over the coming days really between about today and perhaps Friday," Hines added. Rainfall may cause minor to moderate flooding from Tuesday, with isolated major flooding possible. Flood watches cover multiple rivers in northern Victoria, including the Upper Murray, Goulburn, Ovens, and King Rivers.
Thunderstorm and Hail Risk
The event also brings potential for severe thunderstorms and hail in central New South Wales and along the border regions of South Australia and Victoria in the northwest.
Melbourne forecast: Tuesday rain easing (max 17°C), Wednesday rain increasing (12-17°C), Thursday showers with easing wind (11-15°C), Friday showers (9-15°C), Saturday showers (9-13°C), Sunday cloudy (9-14°C), Monday sunny (6-14°C).
Hobart forecast: Tuesday showers (max 14°C), Wednesday partly cloudy (8-15°C), Thursday showers (8-16°C), Friday increasing showers (5-13°C), Saturday showers (4-9°C), Sunday shower or two (5-12°C), Monday shower or two (5-12°C).
Sydney forecast: Tuesday shower or two (max 20°C), Wednesday shower or two (13-23°C), Thursday showers easing then sunny (16-23°C), Friday mostly sunny (13-21°C), Saturday sunny (10-19°C), Sunday shower or two (9-17°C), Monday showers (11-17°C).
Adelaide forecast: Tuesday shower or two (max 17°C), Wednesday showers (11-16°C), Thursday showers (10-15°C), Friday easing showers (10-15°C), Saturday possible shower (8-15°C), Sunday partly cloudy (7-14°C), Monday mostly sunny (5-15°C).
Perth forecast: Tuesday possible morning storm with showers (max 17°C), Wednesday showers (9-19°C), Thursday possible early shower (9-18°C), Friday partly cloudy (7-18°C), Saturday mostly sunny (7-19°C), Sunday sunny (7-21°C), Monday showers (11-20°C).
All forecasts sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology.
