Storms Hit Eastern Aus, WA Stays Dry

We begin with the synoptic map. A cold front and a number of surface troughs over south-east Australia are producing widespread showers, brisk winds, and even cold enough conditions for snow across parts of Tasmania. It remains very humid across central Australia, with that humid air mass gradually making its way towards the east coast. On Thursday afternoon, it will meet the cold front, producing thunderstorms in northern New South Wales and south-east Queensland.

In the north, we are still watching a tropical low over the Coral Sea. It has only a low chance of becoming a tropical cyclone as we head into the weekend. Out west, conditions are finally drying out after a run of very cold and wet days for the Wheatbelt and Goldfields. Warmer weather is on the way for western parts of WA.

In Queensland, there is the possibility of severe thunderstorms bringing flash flooding to the south-west from the morning, becoming more widespread into the afternoon. Storms are expected to extend into the Maranoa and Warrego, the Darling Downs, and central parts of the state. Thunderstorms will also increase about the far south-east and could bring heavy rain and gusty winds, including for Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast. Further north, the tropical low remains well offshore, so no direct impacts are expected. A few showers are likely about northern parts of Queensland, but it will be quite an unsettled day for many, particularly in the south-east. Brisbane is heading for 35 degrees with showers increasing and the chance of a severe thunderstorm in the afternoon and evening. Cairns can expect a possible shower and 34 degrees.

In New South Wales and the ACT, the trough will bring showers and brisk winds across southern parts, including the Riverina, the south-east, and the ACT during the morning. Into the afternoon, the system will meet the humid air mass, producing thunderstorms for the Blue Mountains, the Hunter, and northern parts of the coast. These storms could be severe, bringing heavy rain, damaging winds, and large hail. Inland western areas will remain mostly dry, with only a slight chance of a shower or storm near the Queensland border. Temperatures will contrast sharply, reaching the mid-30s in the north-east, but only the low to mid-20s in the south once colder southerly winds move through. Canberra is expecting 29 degrees and partly cloudy conditions, with a slight chance of a morning shower. Sydney will see 28 degrees, with cloud and showers building and the chance of a thunderstorm, mainly in the western suburbs and the Blue Mountains.

In Victoria, showers will gradually clear north-eastern parts of the state during the morning, leading to a sunny afternoon north of the divide. South of the divide will remain quite overcast, with a few showers through Gippsland possibly reaching Melbourne's eastern suburbs. By evening, dry conditions are expected statewide. Southerly winds and overcast skies will keep temperatures up to ten degrees below average in southern areas, with Melbourne reaching 19 degrees and a slight chance of a morning shower. Mildura will be warmer, reaching 26 degrees and sunny.

Tasmania will experience a cold, snowy, and windy morning. Snow levels will drop to around 1000 metres, with widespread showers about the west and south. During the afternoon, snow levels will rise and showers will contract to the far south-west, while cold winds gradually ease. Hobart is expecting a partly cloudy day with a slight chance of a morning shower and a top of 18 degrees. Launceston will be partly cloudy with 21 degrees.

In South Australia, it will be a cool summer's day. The south will start cloudy and quite windy, while showers and thunderstorms continue in the north. This will be the last day of what has been a very unsettled period, with flooding and inland lakes filling across northern parts of the state. Winds will turn more easterly into the evening, bringing warmer days as we head into the weekend. Adelaide will have a cloudy start with afternoon sunny breaks and a top of 23 degrees, while northern parts of the state will reach the high 20s to low 30s.

In Western Australia, a few showers will persist about the Goldfields and south coast, with cold winds pushing cloud across the region and temperatures remaining below average in some areas. Storms will continue through the east, but along the west coast conditions are improving, with sunny skies and warming temperatures. Perth can expect mostly sunny conditions and 29 degrees, although it will remain unsettled towards the Pilbara.

Across northern Australia, conditions remain similar to recent days, with widespread showers and storms. Heavy falls are possible about southern parts of the Northern Territory, extending into Western Australia. The Top End will see plenty of showers and thunderstorms. Darwin is expecting showers and storms with 31 degrees, while Alice Springs will also see showers and storms with a top of 30 degrees.

That's your forecast for tomorrow. Stay up to date with the latest information and warnings on our website and app, follow us on social media, and as always, have a great day.