Thunderstorm forecast for Taylor Swift’s Sydney show

A severe thunderstorm is expected to lash the harbour city right as global megastar Taylor Swift takes stage at the second leg of her Australian tour.

Less than a week after four people were struck by lightning in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens, another severe thunderstorm is expected to lash the harbour city right as megastar Taylor Swift takes stage for the second leg of her Australian tour.

The forecast for Homebush includes a 70 per cent chance of rain on Friday when Swift’s set of Sydney shows will kick off, with the grey clouds reigniting calls for a retractable roof to be installed over the 83,500-seat venue.

The wet conditions are forecast to persist on Saturday with rain most likely in the morning and a chance of storm.

But Accor Stadium won’t let the bleak forecast dampen their plans, claiming that the show will go on “rain or shine”.

Sydney was lashed with rain this week and it is expected to fall during Taylor Swift’s first show. Picture: NCA Newswire/ Gaye Gerard

More than 864,000 lightning strikes were recorded across NSW on Monday. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Rain is expected on Friday for Swift’s first concert at Accor Stadium. Picture: Getty Images

“The only exception would be severe weather which could impact the safety of artists and patrons,” a spokesperson from the stadium said.

“Such a decision would be made by NSW Police, the event promoters and Venues NSW staff.”

Taylor Swift performs in the rain during The Eras Tour at Gillette Stadium on May 20, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Picture: Getty Images

“Please follow venue screens and staff instructions in these circumstances.”

The forecast of heavy rain comes off the back of a week of wet weather, which soaked parts of NSW.

Sydney was drenched with up to 80mm while Sydney Airport recorded its highest rain in two months of 39mm on Tuesday, reported website Weatherzone.

More than 864,000 lightning strikes were recorded in Sydney and as far as the Victorian and Queensland borders in that time.

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Originally published as Thunderstorm forecast for Taylor Swift’s Sydney show