Millions of Australians are bracing for another day of dangerous weather conditions as extreme fire danger ratings and severe thunderstorms threaten the nation's east coast.
Extreme Fire Danger Grips NSW
Total fire bans have been declared across multiple regions in New South Wales as hot, dry conditions create perfect storm for bushfires. The NSW Rural Fire Service has imposed the bans on Thursday for the Greater Hunter, Greater Sydney Region, Central Ranges and North Western regions.
Authorities have issued an "extreme" fire danger rating for these areas, urging residents to take immediate action. "Action your Bushfire Survival Plan now," emergency services warned as 54 fires burned across the state by 5.30am Thursday.
Severe Thunderstorms Target Queensland
While NSW battles fire threats, southeast Queensland faces a different weather challenge with severe thunderstorms expected to smash the region. The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that storms developing near Kilkivan, northwest of Gympie, are "likely to producing damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding".
The wild weather follows Wednesday's chaotic conditions that saw NSW's first 'catastrophic' fire warning in two years before a westerly storm system brought hail and intense rainfall during the afternoon. Tragically, the severe weather claimed one life.
Continuing Weather Crisis
This latest weather emergency highlights the volatile conditions affecting Australia's eastern states. The rapid shift from catastrophic fire danger to severe thunderstorms demonstrates the unpredictable nature of Australian weather patterns during this period.
Emergency services remain on high alert as they manage both fire and flood risks simultaneously across different parts of the east coast. Residents are being urged to stay informed about changing conditions and follow all official warnings.
