Heatwave Conditions Ease, But Storms Bring New Risks
After sweltering through what was supposed to be the last hot day of the year, New South Wales is bracing for thunderstorms and lightning that could spark more fires across the state.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Northwest NSW
A cool change is on its way, but not before a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for northwest NSW, with possible damaging winds, large hailstones, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding. The Bureau of Meteorology warned residents in Gunnedah, Narrabri, Wee Waa, Baradine, Mullaley, and Boggabri to be on high alert late on Friday.
Lightning Could Spark New Fires
Lightning has already sparked almost 70 fires throughout NSW, with none considered significant as of Friday evening. However, the NSW Rural Fire Service warned that total fire bans are in place in the Northern Slopes, North Western, greater Hunter, and greater Sydney regions.
The Double Danger of Thunderstorms
Stephen Stefanac from the Bureau of Meteorology explained that thunderstorms pose a double danger: “Thunderstorms are accompanied by lightning, which can ignite new fires in the landscape when there’s little rainfall. Today’s thunderstorms will contain little rainfall, so there’s a risk of new ignitions.”
Firefighters on High Alert
Firefighters are bracing for strong to possibly damaging wind gusts, which can be dangerous for people or crew on the ground near fires. The storms are expected to pass through central NSW, including Coonamble, Dubbo, Orange, and Bathurst.
Sydney to Get Cooler, But Others to Swelter
While most inland towns across NSW will see high temperatures until the new year, Sydney is expected to cool down over the weekend and into New Year’s Eve. Melbourne, which saw extreme heat on Boxing Day, is expected to stay below 30C for the next week.
Heatwave Conditions Persist in Queensland
A low-intensity heatwave warning is in place for much of Queensland, with some areas facing severe heatwave conditions. The bureau warned of “low to locally severe intensity heatwave conditions” along Queensland’s east coast throughout the weekend.
Stay Cool and Hydrated, Authorities Urge
Residents across the affected regions are urged to keep cool, hydrated, and avoid staying in the sun. Stay safe, and let’s hope for a cooler and more fire-free New Year’s Eve!