NSW is warned to brace for months of ‘destructive’ weather – here’s what you need to know
Experts are warning NSW residents to be prepared for “all weather conditions” as the state faces increased risk of severe storms and higher temperatures ahead of the storm season.
Steve Bernasconi, manager of the Bureau of Meteorology’s hazard preparedness and response division, said above-average rainfall and temperatures were expected during the storm season, which typically runs from September to April.
“Although the overall flood risk is considered to be average, heavy storms can bring large amounts of rainfall in a short period of time, so flood risks remain in some river basins,” Mr Bernasconi said.
“It is also very likely that we will see temperatures above the median in the spring.”
Mr Bernasconi said there was a chance of unusually high rainfall in parts of northern New South Wales in the spring, with temperatures “similar to winter”.
August was the warmest winter on record in New South Wales, while the whole country experienced one of its warmest winters on record this year.
“The forecast for spring is for average daytime temperatures to be warmer and nighttime temperatures to be warmer,” Bernasconi said.
The warmer weather is likely being driven by warmer sea surface temperatures around the world, with New South Wales under a ‘La Niña alert’.
There is a high probability that spring rainfall will be ‘unusually high’, while winter temperatures will be higher (Photo of a commuter walking in the rain in Sydney)
NSW SES crews responded to more than 3,000 incidents in the last week of August and the first week of September. (Photo: NSW SES)
Mr Bernasconi warned that the weather forecast could mean an increased chance of severe storms.
“Severe storms can bring damaging winds, heavy rains and intense rainfall, and that rain can lead to flash flooding. In the worst cases, it can also bring massive hail and lightning,” Bernasconi said.
‘And given the circumstances, lightning is not our friend when it comes to fire either.
“So with this outlook … we really need to prepare for all types of weather, all weather conditions, including fire. Storms can happen at any time of the year and in any season.”
The NSW SES has responded to more than 21,000 storm-related incidents in the past year, with more than 3,000 of those responding in the last two weeks alone, after the state, like much of the country, was hit by severe and destructive winds.
NSW SES Acting Commissioner Debbie Platz said storms can occur “all year round” and urged residents to prepare their homes.
“Have an emergency plan and kit for your home, clear your gutters, downspouts and drains, secure loose items in your yard and on your balcony, and prune trees and branches that could fall on your home,” Commissioner Platz said.
Parts of the country have already been hit by devastating winds and devastation. (Pictured, crews clear a fallen tree from a car in NSW in early September)
NSW saw property damage from heavy winds and residents are being warned to be prepared for all weather conditions (Pictured: A destroyed shed on a property in NSW in early September)
“Make sure everyone who lives in your home knows what the plan entails and what their role is. That way, if a storm hits, they can actively contribute to the safety of the family.”
Commissioner Platz also urged people to check on neighbors who may not have access to the internet or apps.
“Some neighbors are unable to provide for their own safety, so I encourage everyone in the community to keep an eye out and help them in emergencies,” she said.
‘Our SES volunteers are incredibly well prepared for this storm season, training every week to ensure they can keep the NSW community safe.’
Commissioner Platz encouraged people to download the Hazards Near Me app to stay informed about weather conditions and called for SES volunteers.
Acting NSW SES Commissioner Debbie Platz urged people to prepare their homes. Photo: SES NSW
Brisbane
Sunday: Sunny. Light wind shifting to north to northeast 15 to 25 km/h in the middle of the day becoming light in the late evening.
Monday: Partly cloudy. Chance of fog in the early morning. Small chance of a shower in the afternoon and evening. Light wind that becomes northeasterly in the early afternoon at 15 to 20 km/h and easterly in the late afternoon.
Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Chance of morning mist. Average chance of showers, probably in the morning and afternoon. Chance of thunderstorms in the west. Light winds turning to east to southeast in the afternoon, 15 to 20 km/h, becoming light in the evening.
Sydney
Sunday: Partly cloudy. Light wind.
Monday: Sunny. Wind from the west to northwest 15 to 20 km/h, tending to the west to southwest in the late morning and early afternoon.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny. Light wind.
Melbourne
Sunday: Mostly sunny morning. High chance of showers in the afternoon and evening, increasing to a very high chance over the southeastern suburbs and Dandenongs. Winds northwest 25 to 35 km/h.
Monday: Cloudy. High chance of showers around the Dandenongs, medium chance elsewhere. Winds west to northwest 20 to 30 km/h, becoming light in the late evening.
Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Light wind becoming northwesterly in the morning, 15 to 20 km/h, and weak in the evening.
Adelaide
Sunday: Mostly cloudy. Chance of showers, probably from this afternoon. Wind northwest 20 to 30 km/h, shifting to west 25 to 35 km/h by midday.
Monday: Cloudy. High chance of showers, probably in the morning. Wind from the west at 15 to 25 km/h, becoming light in the late afternoon.
Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Chance of morning mist in the northern suburbs. Small chance of a shower in the hills and southern suburbs, almost zero chance elsewhere. Light wind.
Perth
Sunday: Partly cloudy. Chance of fog early in the morning, especially around the hills. Light wind.
Monday: Sunny. Light wind shifting to south to southwest 15 to 20 km/h in the early afternoon becoming light in the late evening.
Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Wind from the south 15 to 20 km/h, during the day shifting to the southeast 20 to 30 km/h.
Canberra
Sunday: Mostly sunny. Wind northwest 15 to 20 km/h, tending to west to northwest 25 to 35 km/h in the middle of the day.
Monday: Partly cloudy. Small chance of a shower in the morning. Wind from the west to northwest 20 to 30 km/h, becoming light in the evening.
Tuesday: Chance of fog and frost in the morning. Sunny in the afternoon. Light wind becoming northerly 15 to 20 km/h in the afternoon and then weak in the evening.
Hobart
Sunday: Cloudy. High chance of showers, probably in the afternoon and evening. Wind from the northwest 25 to 40 km/h, shifting to the west 25 to 35 km/h in the evening.
Monday: Partly cloudy. Average chance of showers, probably early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Wind west 25 to 35 km/h shifting to northwest 20 to 25 km/h in the afternoon and evening.
Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Small chance of a shower. Wind from the northwest 20 to 30 km/h.
Darwin
Sunday: Sunny. Wind from the east to southeast at 15 to 25 km/h, shifting from the north to northeast at 15 to 20 km/h in the late afternoon.
Monday: Sunny. Light wind, easterly 15 to 25 km/h in the morning and weak in the evening.
Tuesday: Sunny. Light wind that will become east to southeast 15 to 25 km/h in the morning and north to northeast 15 to 20 km/h in the afternoon.