Queensland outback towns of Longreach and Julia Creek in the northeast are set to hit 47 degrees Celsius this weekend, while nighttime temperatures in many parts of the Northern Territory could remain in the low 30s for several days.
The intense heatwave has also prompted authorities to raise bushfire risks with several regions under total fire bans.
But in the east, thunderstorms are expected to redevelop from Friday across eastern Queensland and northeast New South Wales, continuing into the new year.
“Severe thunderstorms are possible … although activity will not be as widespread compared to previous days. Isolated gusty thunderstorms are also possible over western South Australia,” said Sarah Scully, forecaster at the Bureau of Meteorology.
Some storms in the east could become severe on Friday afternoon, with the potential for large hail, wind gusts of more than 90kmh and heavy rain.
The storms were expected to ease by New Year’s Eve and not impact Sydney’s iconic fireworks display as the Bureau of Meteorology predicted cloudy conditions on Sunday with a very slight chance of rain.
Source: CNA
