South east Queensland is bracing for five days of harsh thunderstorms starting today with the area expected to be hit with strong winds and large hail. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning covering areas such as the Southeast Coast, Wide Bay and Burnett, and Capricornia regions.
Warnings have been issued for the towns of Gayndah, Gin Gin, Miriam Vale, Childers, and Biggenden. A surface trough will interact with strong winds to produce a potentially life-threatening weather system this afternoon and later tonight. The bureau mentions that “moderate instability” is forming over parts of south east Queensland, which will result in the severe weather.
What People Should Do
Residents of the areas that will be impacted have been instructed to take safety measures immediately. It is advised by the officials to keep the vehicle away from the potential falling of a branch from a tree. Everyone should shut the doors and windows to save themselves from the wind attack. If at all possible, do not drive, and if it is necessary, then use extreme caution because the roads will be hazardous.
Thunderstorm warning for the Darling Downs and Granite Belt district that was issued earlier has now been revoked. The threat of bad weather is still there for the remaining parts of the region. Weatherzone says that the unstable weather will be accompanied by daily rain and severe thunderstorm activity and last until Tuesday in south east Queensland.
Weekend Could Bring Worst Conditions
It is predicted that Saturday will bring the most powerful storms as the air will become more and more unstable. This is due to the fact that an upper-level trough is moving into the area. Weatherzone meteorologist Ben Domensino said “supercell thunderstorms are possible on Saturday, and isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out.”
Supercell thunderstorms are the most dangerous type of storm because they can produce very large hail, destructive winds and sometimes tornadoes. Although tornadoes are rare in this part of Australia, the situations forming this weekend imply that they may occur.
North Queensland Faces Heatwave
While the south east struggles with storms, the northern parts of Queensland are having completely different weather. The northern areas and Cape York Peninsula are suffering from a low to severe heatwave at the moment. The temperatures are going as high as the low 30s to 40 degrees Celsius.
The heatwave will still be there for the next few days, and it is very likely that it will spread to other areas of northern Queensland by the weekend. Places such as Aurukun, Coen, Kowanyama, and Weipa will be very hot and uncomfortable. This division in weather scenarios throughout the state is an indication of how extensive and diverse Queensland’s climate can be at this time of the year.
News At Glance
- South east Queensland is to experience five days of severe thunderstorms starting today with damaging winds and large hail expected
- Bureau of Meteorology warns supercell thunderstorms possible on Saturday with isolated tornadoes not ruled out
- It is advised that people should place their cars away from underneath trees, close the windows and refrain from driving when the weather is bad
- The north of Queensland is now in the grip of a heatwave, with the temperature ranging from low 30s to 40 degrees Celsius
- Unstable weather with daily rain and severe storms is expected to continue until Tuesday across south east Queensland
FAQs
Q1: How long will the severe weather last?
The severe thunderstorm activity is expected to continue for five days, that is, until Tuesday across south east Queensland.
Q2: What areas are under warning?
Southeast Coast, Wide Bay and Burnett, and Capricornia regions are the areas that include the towns of Gayndah, Gin Gin, Miriam Vale, Childers, and Biggenden which are under warning.
Q3: When will the worst storms hit?
It is on Saturday that the worst storms are expected, and this is when supercell thunderstorms could be most likely along with the possibility of isolated tornadoes.
Q4: What should people do to stay safe?
It would be wise to park your car away from under trees, close all your doors and windows, and do not drive unless it is absolutely necessary when the weather is severe.
Q5: Is all of Queensland experiencing storms?
Not at all, Northern Queensland and Cape York Peninsula are suffering from a heatwave with the temperature reaching up to 40 degrees instead of widespread storms.
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