Perth has experienced its coldest morning in over 15 years, with temperatures plummeting to just above freezing.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the Perth weather station at Mt Lawley recorded a low of 0.3C at 6.55am, marking the coldest day since July 2010.
The bureau took to social media, saying, “A chilly start to the day with more than 3/4 of the State experiencing a temperature below 10°C this morning.”
Australian Cities Prepare for a Weekend of Heavy Rain and Strong Winds
Millions of Australians are bracing themselves for a total soaking, with extensive rain and damaging winds forecasted to hit almost every state in the country this weekend.
A strong cold front is barreling through the southern region of the country, bringing with it a “broad cloud band” that will usher in lashings of rain, damaging winds, and teeth-chattering temperatures.
Severe weather warnings have been issued for multiple states and territories, including Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland, and Victoria.
Damaging Winds and Heavy Rain on the Horizon
Residents in South Australia, particularly in the West Coast, Flinders, Mid North, North West Pastoral, and parts of Mount Lofty Ranges, Eastern Eyre Peninsula, North East Pastoral, and Murraylands districts, are warned of “vigorous” wind gusts in excess of 90km/h forecasted for Friday.
A warning has also been issued for southeastern Western Australia, with wind speeds expected to reach 100km/h in Eucla, Eyre, Forrest, Rawlinna, and Cocklebiddy.
The risk of damaging winds is mainly focused on Friday, but the south coast of Western Australia could see some damaging gusts through Thursday evening.
Rainfall Deficits and Flooding Risks
While the rain is expected to bring some relief to dry parts of Australia, it’s not without its own hazards. Ms. Bradbury warned that 20 to 40mm of rainfall is expected for many areas through South Australia and western Victoria, posing a risk of flooding and dangerous driving conditions.
The risk of flooding will be particularly high on Friday and Saturday, with the rain band moving eastwards and introducing rain across eastern parts of South Australia, Western Victoria, NSW, and southern parts of Queensland.