Thunderstorms, rain, windy conditions and 'abnormally high tides' were expected over south-eastern Australia over the weekend and into the start of next week, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM). The dramatic shift in weather follows record-breaking May warmth that saw daytime temperatures soar 10 to 14 degrees Celsius above average in parts of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania on Friday.
Record Warmth Gives Way to Cold Front
A high-pressure system had previously dragged warm northerly winds across south-east Australia, leading to dozens of weather stations recording their warmest May day on record. In Victoria, Geelong, Shepparton, and Bendigo were among the locations experiencing record highs in the upper 20s Celsius. Tasmania also saw records toppled, with Hobart reaching 26.9C and Launceston hitting 24.3C. Night-time temperatures across parts of South Australia, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, and NSW were 8 to 12C above average on Friday night.
Australia has also had its driest April since 2018, making the incoming rain particularly significant. A cold front over the Southern Ocean, which circles Antarctica, merged with a cloud band moving over Western Australia to form the cold front that swept across South Australia on Saturday, heading towards Victoria and Tasmania.
Forecast Details
BoM meteorologist Christie Johnson noted the 'unseasonably warm conditions over the last couple of weeks' but confirmed the change. 'However, as we move into Sunday, we do see that cooler air extending across SA and into western Victoria, with maximum temperatures dropping just back into the high teens,' she said. 'And finally on Monday, the cold air will make its way right across the south-east, with much cooler temperatures. And this will feel particularly cool given the warm temperatures we've had recently.'
Thunderstorms, rain, windy conditions, and 'abnormally high tides' were expected over south-eastern Australia over the weekend and into early next week. There is a risk of severe storms, heavy rainfall, and potentially flash flooding. However, Sydney will be spared the wintry blast, with temperatures forecast to remain in the mid-20s most of the week. Sydney's maximum temperature is expected to reach 26C on Sunday, with rain and 25C predicted for Monday. Rain is forecast for Melbourne all week, with a maximum of 23C on Sunday dropping to 13C by Thursday.
