Feb 22 • 01:58 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia Guardian Australia

‘Humid and unstable airmass’ to bring rain, flooding and thunderstorms across Australia’s east coast

Heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecasted for parts of Australia's east coast, with major flooding expected across several states.

Australia's east coast is bracing for heavy rain and thunderstorms, as a 'humid and unstable airmass' descends upon the region. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued warnings for central and southern Australia, indicating widespread rainfall, particularly affecting South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Victoria. Major cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, and Hobart are also at risk of experiencing severe weather conditions on Sunday.

Recent weather patterns have already led to significant rainfall in Queensland, with some areas experiencing their heaviest downpour in years due to a strengthening tropical low. According to senior meteorologist Sarah Scully from the BoM, Northern Queensland recorded up to 100mm of rain over the weekend. This follows weeks of rain in central Queensland, which has resulted in saturated grounds and swelling river systems, posing heightened risks of flooding across numerous regions.

The BoM's warnings highlight the potential for intense rainfall that could lead to dangerous conditions, particularly for communities already affected by previous weather events. As emergency services brace for impacts, the situation underscores the ongoing challenges posed by climate variability in Australia, with implications for public safety and infrastructure as storm systems develop across the east coast.

📡 Similar Coverage