The east coast of Australia is in for a soggy start to spring this week, with three states forecast to be slammed by high winds, rain, and even flooding.
More storms and rain appear to be on the way as La Nina returns for the third time this year, delivering 40-50mm of rain to Queensland, New South Wales, portions of Victoria, and Tasmania.
Winds and hail with rain in Australia
Khamkéo Vilaysing/Unsplash
Heavy rain throughout the east coast this week will bring NSW closer to shattering a 60-year record for yearly rainfall with four months left in the year, as per 7 News.
On Monday, widespread rain and storms are forecast over the state, but they should reduce to lighter rain before moving to coastal regions on Tuesday, where they will lessen again late in the day.
Sydney residents may anticipate light rain on Monday and Tuesday before the probability of heavier rain increases on Thursday and last until the end of the week.
According to the BOM, these thunderstorms may turn severe in the far west.
The rain will keep catchments saturated ahead of a spring that is forecast to see a third La Nia in a row, raising the chance of above-average rainfall.
Late on Friday, the rain gauge in Sydney hit 2 meters for the year, making it the earliest date the 2,000mm milestone has been achieved since records began in 1858.
A band of showers and storms was hitting many areas in the east on Monday, according to Dean Narramore, a senior forecaster at the Bureau of Meteorology, with a second rain band expected across central Australia on Wednesday, as per The Guardian.
When in NSW, heavy rain is forecast in portions of Victoria this week, although just one to two mm is expected to fall on Monday night as a front arrives later in the day
Severe thunderstorms with heavy rain are predicted in the state's west and north, most likely in the late afternoon and evening.
Melbourne residents could anticipate a high probability of rain on Monday and Tuesday, with the latter receiving 10 to 15mm of rain.
A La Niña a pattern driven by ocean temperatures in the Pacific was forecast to return by spring, increasing the chance of above-average rainfall for northern and eastern regions of the nation in spring and summer.
Weatherzone meteorologist Ben Domensino said the thunderstorm outbreak will extend from the Northern Territory to Tasmania, with super-cell storms producing winds of more than 120 kph and hail larger than 5cm wide.
He predicted that the heaviest storms will reach southwest Queensland, far western NSW, and western Victoria.
Increased thunderstorm in Queensland
According to the BOM, there will be enhanced rain and thunderstorm activity in western Queensland on Monday, with severe storms probable in the state's southwest, with big hail and destructive wind gusts the primary dangers.
These storms and very heavy rain will continue into Tuesday, but will lessen as the system moves east.
Rain is anticipated in Brisbane all week, with up to 15mm falling on Friday and Saturday.
On Monday, strong wind warnings were issued for the Peninsula Coast, Cooktown Coast, Cairns Coast, and Townsville Coast, with warnings remaining in effect for the Peninsula and Cooktown Coast on Tuesday.
