By I. Hansana, Jadetimes News
Australia Set for Prolonged Wet Weather with Multiple Rain Bands Forecast
Australia is expected to experience prolonged wet weather in the coming days, with three distinct rain bands predicted to bring an end to the recent cold snap in the southeast. Senior meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology, Angus Hines, has forecast a "showery weekend" for the entire east coast of New South Wales and Queensland.
Hines indicated that while the upcoming rain is unlikely to result in severe flooding or extreme weather, it will contribute to a persistent stretch of wet conditions. He highlighted several areas of interest where rain is expected.
A rain band is forecast to develop across central Australia, affecting parts of South Australia, northern pastoral districts, and western Queensland, with thunderstorms anticipated to expand on Saturday. By Sunday, this band will move eastwards towards Adelaide and spread through central Queensland and northern New South Wales, bringing unusually high rainfall to the eastern outback.
By Tuesday, the rain band will reach the east coast, causing another spell of wet weather for parts of New South Wales, including Sydney, as well as regions in Victoria and Tasmania. Hines noted that many capital cities would experience a few wet days as the band transitions across the eastern states.
Meanwhile, in Western Australia, another winter cold front is expected to arrive late Saturday or early Sunday, bringing rain, strong winds, and possible thunderstorms to large parts of the state, including Perth. Hines warned of elevated coastal conditions and high tides, but mentioned that the front would quickly move south and weaken.
Despite rainfall amounts of only five to ten millimeters expected across major cities, the already saturated grounds could lead to waterlogged fields, sports cancellations, and travel disruptions.
Following a series of chilly nights in the southeast, the forecasted cloud cover is expected to bring relief from the cold. Melbourne, which saw temperatures drop to 0°C on Wednesday, will see a rise in temperatures, not falling below 5°C next week, while Sydney’s temperatures will not fall below 10°C.
Tasmania experienced particularly cold conditions, with temperatures in Liawenee dropping to 13.5°C on Wednesday evening and remaining below 12°C for three consecutive days a record low for July in the state, attributed to a strong high pressure system.
The Bureau of Meteorology anticipates a wetter than normal winter and spring across parts of eastern Australia, Western Australia, and South Australia, alongside higher than normal temperatures. This forecast follows Australia's driest August to October on record last year and is linked to a La Niña Watch, indicating the potential formation of La Niña in the Pacific Ocean later in 2024.
