Severe storms likely for millions as Sydney becomes hottest place on earth

After Melbourne was pounded on Wednesday, other cities are now in the way of a vicious weather system that could bring drenching rain and hail

Australia’s east coast is set to see a pounding on Thursday as a storm front, which has already smashed Melbourne, heads toward Sydney.

Forecasters have warned that severe thunderstorms could led to “triple digits” in rainfall gauges – a recipe for dangerous conditions and possible flash flooding.

“We continue to see storms possible across all parts of eastern Australia,” said Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) meteorologist Miriam Bradbury.

“But notably, severe storms remain a risk for parts of New South Wales and northern Tasmania in particular and we have an area of likely severe thunderstorms that includes Sydney and The Central Coast, southern parts of the Hunter and the Illawarra, as well as the central Tablelands.”

Storm clouds over the CBD as storms hit Melbourne. Picture: Jason Edwards

Tragically, a 45-year-old man died in Yarrawonga, in Victoria’s north on Wednesday as storms ravaged the state.

A branch fell on a car which the man was inside.

The SES stated it received 364 calls for help in the 24 hours to 6pm on Wednesday with almost 100 buildings damaged and 15 rescue requests, reports the Herald Sun.

There were more than 60 reports of flash flooding, mostly around the city’s south east.

Wilsons Promontory received 25mm of rain in a mere 10 minutes on Wednesday afternoon.

Storms barrelled through Melbourne. Picture: Jason Edwards

Sydney hottest place on earth

On the same day, Sydney Airport was reportedly the hottest place on earth.

Meteorology website Weatherzone stated that Sydney Airport’s maximum of 38.2°C at 12.15pm saw it top the world heat chart.

That’s chiefly because the northern hemisphere is nearing the coolest part of the year, of course.

But other southern hemisphere areas, such as South Africa and southern Latin America, have not been unable to match Australia’s run of bakingly hot days.

\Hot weather in Bondi Beach on Wednesday. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Sydney to bear brunt of storms

There were concerns on Wednesday that the soaring temperatures in NSW could have led to blackouts due to increased electricity demand coupled with outages from power stations.

That outcome was avoided, mostly. However parts of Sydney CBD have no electricity on Thursday morning due to a flooded substation.

The reason behind the weather drama is a low pressure trough which is now marching into New South Wales bringing with it lots of moisture and unsettled storm conditions.

Sydney could see up to 80mm or rain over the next three days, or even more depending on how and when storms hit.

Thursday could reach 31C, so a reduction from Wednesday, but storms are likely and could be severe as the day progresses.

The storms could bring a concentrated deluge of up to 15mm during a short period as well as large hail and damaging winds, the BOM has warned.

On Wednesday, Sydney was the hottest place on Earth. Picture]: Climae Reanalyzer.

‘Triple digits in the gauge’

There is also the chance of a storm on Friday with this time up to 35mm of rain. But the temperature should drop to the mid-twenties. On Saturday, the storm threat should diminish but 7-30mm of rain could still fall on Sydney.

“If severe storms move overhead we could easily see triple digits in the rainfall gauges and if that kind of rain falls in a short space of time that can lead to dangerous conditions,” said Ms Bradbury of storm affected areas of NSW.

Wollongong, Newcastle, Gosford, Goulburn, Katoomba, Orange and nearby areas are all on storm watch.

Severe thunderstorms are likely for Sydney on Wednesday. Pics: BOM.

Canberra has a chance of thunderstorms on Thursday with a high of 31C but the more treacherous conditions could be on Friday when up to 20mm of rain may fall associated with storms. A further 15-50mm is forecast for Saturday.

Melbourne will see the unsettled conditions recede and blue skies take their place on Thursday and Friday with highs in the mid-twenties and very little rain.

But Saturday could be a washout with heavy falls again linked to storms, with 6-30mm falling.

It’ll be soggy in Hobart on Thursday with showers and up to 10mm in the gauge, then clearing for Friday before a wet weekend with potentially 45mm across both days.

Temperatures should rise from 16C on Thursday to a high of 22C on Sunday.

Rain will fall over much of NSW on Thursday. Pics: BOM.

Rainfall could reach triple digits this week over parts of the south and east. Pics: BOM.

A cloudy Thursday in Adelaide with a high of 23C and little rain. A possible shower on Friday leading to a fine mid-twenties weekend.

It will be mostly dry in Brisbane on Thursday with a 30C maximum. Friday could see a few showers. The storms shouldn’t trouble southern Queensland but it could still be wet in Brisbane on the weekend with a possible 15mm on Saturday and 20mm on Sunday.

Townsville is looking at showers from Friday with a forecast of up to 30mm of rain on Saturday and 20mm on Sunday during a stormy weekend.

A possible storm in Darwin on Thursday with a 32C high and 15mm of rain. Some rain will continue for the weekend.

Clear and sunny in Perth. Thursday will be toasty reaching 33C and Friday a scorching 37C with a dip to 24C by Sunday.