Severe thunderstorms expected from Burnie to Bridport while humidity remains high

Severe thunderstorms, unusually high humidity and potential flash flooding ahead. What the BOM is forecasting for Tasmania’s weather this week:

A very moist air mass and an upper trough are producing storms with heavy rainfall over Bass Strait, moving onshore onto the northern Tasmanian coastline 27 November 2024. Picture: BOM

Update 12.30pm: The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has cancelled its thunderstorm warning for Wednesday, with a spokesperson stating the “immediate threat of severe thunderstorms” has passed.

The spokesperson said the situation would ‘continue to be monitored’ and further warnings will be issued if necessary.

11am: People in the north of the state are being warned to prepare for potential flash flooding with a severe thunderstorm warning issued for parts of the North and North West Coast.

Senior meteorologists at the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) Miriam Bradbury said severe storms are likely to bring heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding for the warning area.

Percentage humidity until 5pm on Wednesday, November 27. Picture: BOM

“Damaging winds and large hail are also possible but heavy rain is the primary risk,” she said.

A moist air mass and upper trough is producing storms with heavy rainfall over Bass Strait and is moving onto the northern coastline.

The warning areas include Devonport, Deloraine, Launceston, George Town, Scottsdale and Bridport.

Along with the air mass comes high humidity levels, with Tuesday’s overnight levels reaching as high as 93 per cent at 3am in Hobart and falling to around 80 per cent on Wednesday morning.

Humidity is expected to stay around the 80 per cent level for Tasmania while the trough passes over the state.

A severe thunderstorm warning was cancelled for the Western and Central Plateau districts on Wednesday.

A car drives through flash flooding. Picture Lachie Millard

The State Emergency Service warned people in affected areas:

avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters, seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.

Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.

Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.

For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132500

Ms Bradbury said the risk of rain areas and storms will persist through Tasmania throughout the rest of the week and the weekend.

Tasmania is experiencing “incredibly” humid conditions, which is unusual for November and are likely to ease later this week.

Humidity in Hobart reached 95 per cent overnight and was sitting at 76 per cent on Wednesday morning.

More updates to come.