Parts of Australia are likely to be hit by thunderstorms in the next few days, capping off a hot and humid start to the first week of summer.
Thunder and lightning could roll into north-east NSW and southern inland Queensland as soon as today, with meteorologists eyeing off severe thunderstorm warnings.
It is a different story in Victoria, where residents can expect a warm night with clear conditions.
Temperatures will climb and conditions will become “hot and unsettled” tomorrow across the centre and the south-east of Australia.
Meteorologist Jonathan How said two main factors will influence the conditions, including a high pressure system in the Tasman Sea which will bring down the heat to the interior and a surface trough is bringing down humidity from the tropics.
“The heat and humidity will combine,” How said.
“By the afternoon, we will see widespread rain, storms and showers across South Australia, Victoria and NSW.
“Broad areas could see severe thunderstorms.”
Showers can be expected for the east and the north, while windy conditions are likely across Western Australia as the next high pressure system moves in.
A few showers can be expected along the east coast of Queensland on Friday, mostly north of about Hervey Bay, while heavy falls in the Tropics including for Cairns.
“We will also see thunderstorms for inland parts, although they won’t be as widespread compared to the last few days,” How said.
“Severe thunderstorms are possible for the southern Maranoa and Warrego.
“Heavy falls are possible about the Gulf Country.”
Temperatures will be a little bit warmer than the last few days, with a partly cloudy and a top of 29 degrees expected for Brisbane tomorrow.
Meanwhile How said NSW will experience “hot and unsettled” conditions tomorrow.
“It will be clear to start the morning, then into the afternoon showers and thunderstorms will become quite widespread across most of the state, except for the far north-east,” he said.
How said Victoria will experience “hot, humid and unsettled” conditions tomorrow, with thunderstorms developing in the west into the afternoon.
A hot day is in store for Melbourne tomorrow, with the possibility of a late shower or storm.
A warm day is in store for Tasmania with a few showers developing from the north into the afternoon.
How said there will be tropical conditions with heat and humidity starting to build and pour down from the north.
There will be cooler conditions on Western Australia’s coast tomorrow, while heatwave conditions are likely for the inland Pilbara with temperatures climbing up into the mid-40s in some locations.
Across northern Australia, heatwave conditions continue across the western Kimberley tomorrow, while showers and storms are predicted for the Top End and up into Queensland.
