Western QLD to cop rain, hail and heatwave in a matter of days
Huge parts of Queensland are set to be smashed by thunderstorms, bringing in strong winds and hail this afternoon, ahead of a heatwave in coming days.
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Severe thunderstorms have been predicted for large parts of Western Queensland this afternoon, with strong winds already lashing parts of the region.
The warning comes ahead of a heatwave forecast for the weekend and into next week, with 40+ degree temps predicted in some parts of the state.
Queensland faces hot and stormy conditions over the coming days: weekend temps 5-10C above November average for parts, and thunderstorms for west and southwest today. Storms shift east on Friday. #QLDweather forecasts, obs and warnings: https://t.co/gOYRXPNe8G ⛈ï¸ðŸŒ©ï¸â›ˆï¸ 🌡ï¸ðŸŒ¡ï¸ðŸŒ¡ï¸ pic.twitter.com/UEBCbcdVOo
— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) November 11, 2020
The Bureau of Meteorology released the new thunderstorm forecast this morning for Far Western Queensland, placing towns in the Gulf Country, North West, Channel Country, Maranoa and Warrego regions in the firing line.
Severe thunderstorms possible for far #WesternQld, with thunderstorms possible across the far west, northwest and Gulf Country this afternoon and evening. For the latest weather advice, check https://t.co/agUvOUZaZQ. pic.twitter.com/BKhXsz8t2V
— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) November 11, 2020
Western townships like Birdsville and Mt Isa have already recorded 45+km/h gusts, with BOM Meteorologist James Thompson warning of further storms making their way east over the next few days.
“You’ll be seeing those strong winds pick-up around that South Western region today, which will result in damaging winds and potential hail,” he told The Courier-Mail.
“That trough will then continue east towards Roma on Thursday and potentially hit Toowoomba just before the weekend – though we’re not expecting for it to stay as intense.”
But while the much needed rainfall is set to douse the sunburnt country, Thompson did warn that much of the state will be back in heatwave conditions at the start of next week.
“We’re expecting those hot conditions to pick up again on Sunday and Monday, with places like Longreach and St George to reach up to 42C.” Thompson added.
“These are definitely summer-like conditions, but they normally come before a storm – not after.”
Though no storms are predicted following the three day heatwave, we’re told to expect a cooler change with a southerly change forecasted to move through on Tuesday and Wednesday next week.
“While November is a month of change and we do see some strange changes in conditions, this year’s November has definitely been strange, it’s potentially a sign of what may be coming in summer.”