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Weather News Archive 2020 June

Image 1: Satelitte Imagery (Natural Color) of the low-pressure system sitting to the east of the North Island as of this morning, Saturday, 27th June, 2020

Image 2: NZ Radar at rough time (8:58am) of tornado activity on the morning of Saturday, 27th June 2020 via NZ MetService

Image 3: NZ north island rainfall forecast for Saturday, June 27th, 2020 via NIWA.

Tornadoes rip through parts of New Zealand's North Island

Saturday, June 27th, 2020

Wild weather has wreaked havoc across parts of the north island of New Zealand overnight and this morning with multiple tornado occurrences across the region late yesterday afternoon, during the late night and early into this morning. Further heavy rainfall has fallen across the upper north island as a low-pressure system which is dragging warm sub-tropical moisture down accompanied by squally winds. Slow moving heavy rainfalls conducive to flooding drenched areas of the Northland, Auckland, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty.

During yesterday afternoon around 4:00pm local time, a tornado swept through the lower Northland east coast town of Mangawhai and did cause damage to trees, iron roofing and sent signposts flying through the air. The first calls received to NZ Emergency Services were just after 4:00pm from residential properties situated on Cove Road and Bagnal Road, Northland. The tornado was reported to be on the ground for a duration of five minutes as noted by locals who filmed the tornadic event.

A second tornado was observed and reported late last night in Dairy Flat and Silverdale areas, which are situated to the northwest of the city of Auckland. Dairy Flat was the first area to be struck by the tornado in the dark, followed by Silverdale as the MetService NZ received a few reports of tornadic activity in the area after 11:00pm last night.

An additional third tornado ripped through parts of East Tamaki to the south of Auckland this morning causing structural damage to industrial buildings in that area. New Zealand Fire and Emergency confirmed the area had been hit by a tornado with ten fire trucks from the service dispatched to the area immediately after the incident. It was reported that this particular tornado was on the ground for only two minutes, however it was long enough to cause damage to structures and vehicles as detailed above.

New Zealand on average experiences approximately seven moderate to strong tornadoes each year. These occur most frequently on the west coast of the South Island and in the North Island from Taranaki to Northland. These tornado events typically last for a few minutes and track across the land for between two to five kilometres and are usually between 20 to 100 metres in width. Wind speeds generally reach between 115km/h to 180km/h as they roam across the landscape.

Tornado events of this nature are most typically associated with with pre-frontal squall lines, which are bands of thunderstorms embedded within a strong and unstable, pre-frontal north-westerly wind flow. The thunderstorms that produce tornadoes usually exhibit very strong updrafts and under certain conditions, the rising air begins to rotate the thunderstorm which creates an environment favourable to tornado formation.

The active front is forecast to move further southeast today and across the North Island with the potential to deliver heavy rain, mostly concentrated to the northern and eastern parts of the island. Tomorrow, the low is expected to develop east of the southern island which will in turn direct a south to southeasterly flow, and the potential for further heavy rainfall to lower parts of the island.

Heavy Rain Watches are now in force for northern Southland and the eastern parts of Otago. Specifically, the current Severe Weather Watch encompasses the areas of the Bay of Plenty west of Matata, North Otago and Dunedin and the area area of Southland north of Dipton. Periods of heavy rainfall is likely mainly about the hills and mountains, where rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria.

Temperatures across the country will begin to dip further late on Sunday and into early next week, where rain and potentially heavy snowfalls are set to return to higher altitudes with emphasis on the south island, before extending northward to the north island. The central plateau of the north island, including the active stratovolcano of Mt. Ruapehu may receive up to 25 to 45cms of snow accumulating into early next week at this stage.



Image 1: Bureau of Meteorology forecast for Brisbane

Sunny skies for school holidays

Friday 26th June 2020

With the Queensland school holidays kicking off tomorrow, the first week is looking stunning across Queensland.

Over the weekend, a few coastal showers are possible particularly across the Gold and Sunshine coasts with only 1-3mm likely.

Temperatures are expected to be right on average for most of the state, with the potential for frosts across southern QLD over the coming days.

Next week, sunny conditions will continue, with maximum temperatures steadily increasing during the week, with a gusty, cooler change expected late Friday and Saturday.



Image 1: Current Sea Surface temperatures, showcasing the cold water upwelling off the South American Coast. Image via ClimateRenalyzer.

Australia on La Niña watch

Wednesday 24th June 2020

The Bureau of Meteorology has put Australia on a La Niña watch, with the chance of a La Niña forming during spring increasing to around 50%, or twice the normal likelihood.

This watch comes as the upwelling of cooler water off the west coast of South America continue to strengthen, pushing warm water west across the equator (belt of westerly trade winds strengthens pushing warm water west). A number of climate models are also suggesting La Niña thresholds may be reached over the coming months.

So, what does this mean for Australia? A La Niña typically increases moisture across the continent, which leads to an increase in rainfall probabilities. Historically, La Niña cycles have a history of leading to flood events - potentially even drought-breaking rainfall.

A La Niña event doesn't just lead to the chances of increasing rainfall, but also increases cyclone potential in the Coral Sea and Indian Ocean.

A La Niña this spring and summer would certainly provide a welcome relief across fire-ravaged regions of Australia, increasing the potential for a quieter fire season across the southern states. Increasing moisture and rainfall will also increase cloud cover, helping to keep maximum temperatures milder across a large portion of the country.



Inset Video: Slow-motion snow flurries north of Ben Lomond, NSW off the New England Highway as documented by Michael Bath.

Image 1: Snow flurry scene with light ground accumulation. Ben Lomond, June 23rd 2020 via Michael Bath.

Image 2: Very light snow settles under the trees in Ben Lomond, NSW. Ben Lomond, June 23rd 2020 via Justin Noonan.

Small snow accumulations for the NSW Northern Tablelands

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2020

Elevated regions of the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales saw snow flurries overnight and into early this morning, with slightly more accumulations of snow observed at Mount Kaptuar (east of Narrabri, NSW).

Overnight minimum temperatures for parts of the Northern Tablelands (NSW) and Darling Downs & Granite Belt (QLD) are expected to fall into single digits into this coming weekend, with the potential for sub-zero temperatures especially during Thursday and Friday.

Sub-zero temperatures are expected to persist into early next week for some locations, with Armidale, NSW forecast to dip below freezing until mid-next week with minimum temperature forecasts of -0.4° on Thursday, -1.4° on Friday, -1.2° during Saturday, -1.1° on Sunday and -1.8° leading into Monday. Glen Innes is forecast to reach minimum of -3.8° early on Friday morning.

Locations such as Guyra, Ben Lomond, Inverell and Tenterfield are also likely to fall below freezing towards the end of the week and into this coming weekend, as a complex low pressure system slowly moves east further into the Tasman maintaining cool, dry southerly winds over the central and northern regions. Widespread frosts will result in fog patches over inland regions along with widespread frosts. Daytime temperatures are expected to remain below average over the next couple of days as a result of the cool southerly wind flow.

Sub-zero temperatures are expected to persist into early next week for some locations, with Armidale, NSW forecast to dip below freezing until mid-next week with minimum temperature forecasts of 0° on Thursday, -1° on Friday, -1° during Saturday, -1° on Sunday and -1° leading into Monday. Glen Innes is forecast to reach minimum of -4° early on Friday morning.

For residents in QLD, minimum temperatures are to remain in the single digits over the next few days in many parts of the state, and below freezing in some southern inland areas. Stanthorpe and Applethorpe regions may fall just below freezing on Thursday morning, before warming slightly during the following nights with 1° forecast for Thursday, Friday, Saturday and into Sunday at this stage. Whilst these temperatures are normal for this time of year heading into July, no records are set to be broken at this stage.

Our very own EWN staff were out and about early this morning, particularly through the Guyra and Ben Lomond regions, and snapped some excellent photos of the snow fall occurrences overnight into early this morning. These snowfalls were confined to the elevated areas around the New England region, with areas with much lower elevating receiving no coverage.

We hope you enjoy the images and video provided below by our staff and remember to always follow our social media pages on both Facebook and Twitter for updates about severe weather in your region. If you happen to snap any snow images that you wish to share with us, please do not hesitate to also send them to us via social media so we can share those images with the community.



Image 1: Rainfall accumulation over Southwest WA across the next 3 days (Source: Weatherwatch Metcentre)

Image 2: Forecast wind gusts at 8pm AWST Monday 22 June, 2020 (Source: Windy.com)

Cold front to hit southwest WA

Monday, 22nd June 2020

After more unseasonably warm June weather, a cold front will sweep across southwestern parts of WA today and into Tuesday, causing temperatures to cool closer to average and bringing with it rain, possible thunderstorms and strong winds.

Over the weekend, temperatures soared well above average once again (after a very warm start to the month), with Geraldton reaching 27.5 degrees, Shark Bay Bay 29.6 degrees and Perth 23 degrees. Temperatures for June so far remain averaging 2-4 degrees above average, with this June likely to be one for the record books.

After another mild day today, a cold front will begin to hit the South West Land Division from early this afternoon, and push through the remainder of the region into the evening and Tuesday.

Showers and thunderstorms associated with the front may produce damaging winds to 100km/h, which are expected to develop from about 3pm AWST about the Southwest Capes, and extend eastwards from Lancelin to Walpole (including Perth) by 8pm Monday evening.

Moderate rainfall totals are possible with the front, particularly with any thunderstorms, however the heaviest totals look limited to coastal areas. Those on the coastal fringe will see widespread totals of 5-15mm, with heaviest falls in excess of 30mm about the Southwest Capes, but for many inland areas totals will be under 5mm.

Damaging surf conditions with potential for beach erosion are also expected to develop between Geraldton and Albany on Tuesday morning.

A few showers will persist into Tuesday, but will gradually ease later in the day and on Wednesday as a high pressure system takes hold.



Image 1: EC model forecast accumulated rain (Source: weather.us)

Moderate to locally heavy rain set to soak southeast Tasmania

Sunday 21st June 2020

A moist onshore flow wrapping around a broad low pressure system in the Tasman Sea will become established over parts of Tasmania and cause moderate to locally heavy rain to mainly focus on the state's southeast on Monday and Tuesday.

On average, two day accumulations up to 20 to 70 mm are likely in the state's southeast with some locations possibly receiving totals up to 100 mm or higher.

While there is some flash flooding potential for poor drainage areas and there is a flood watch current for the possibility of minor to moderate flooding for a number of catchments in the region, a widespread extreme flood event is considered unlikely.



Image 1: Forecast total snow accumulations from the ECMWF model until Tuesday 23rd June, 2020 (Source: weather.us)

Image 2: Forecast cloud cover and rainfall from the ECMWF model for 4pm Sunday 21st June, 2020 (Source: Windy.com)

Large cutoff low looms for SE Australia but widespread extreme impacts unlikely

Thursday, 18th June 2020

After a few days of above average temperatures and mainly settled weather in southeast Australia, a developing complex low pressure system and cold front is set to bring wintry weather to the region this weekend.

A large cutoff low pressure system is expected to form over waters south of the Great Australian Bight during the next couple of days before becoming part of a broader low pressure area which should then move up over southeast Australia this weekend. A cold front will also extend out of this complex low.

This will cause showers to start spreading across the region this weekend as well as a narrow band of rain with the front itself. However most of the higher rainfall totals will be mainly concentrated around mountain areas and windward facing coastlines of southeast SA, Victoria, southern NSW and Tasmania.

If the low tracks as expected, showers and some rain areas may linger in eastern Tasmania for a few days longer due to the moist easterly flow on the southern side of the low.

On average, multiday totals are likely to be in the 1 to 20mm range, increasing to 20 to 50mm within and near the NSW/Victoria alpine region, the southeast coastal fringe of SA and northern and eastern Tasmania. Some places in these areas may get heavier falls of 50 to 90mm but those types of falls are expected to only be isolated.

While any storms are likely to be localised in nature, those places that do get any thunder could also get significant amounts of small hail due to very cold air aloft. Any damaging wind potential is also likely to be localised due to the broad area of the low.

From Sunday into Monday, snow is also expected to fall on the higher parts of the Great Dividing Range from eastern Victoria up through the southern and central tablelands of NSW with an outside chance of reaching the NSW northern tablelands on Monday or early Tuesday, however the higher snowfall accumulations are expected to be mainly confined to the higher peaks in the NSW/VIC alpine area and even there, some rain following the snow may cause some of the snow accumulations on the ground to melt.

On Monday, the system is expected to move out into the Tasman Sea and reintensify while continuing to track further out to sea during the following few days. This should cause winds wrapping around the back of the low to become strong and gusty at times along the higher parts of the NSW ranges then along the central and southern NSW coastal fringe by the middle of the week. The colder air should penetrate up into southern Queensland during this time, leading to some cooler daytimes and colder nights.

Due to the curved trajectory of the flow around the low rather than a long straight fetch of colder southwesterly winds, maximum temperatures are only expected to dip to 2 to 5 degrees below average for many parts of SE Australia with temperatures quickly rebounding to above average in Victoria from about Tuesday and Tasmania also experiencing a milder easterly flow, however maximum temperatures further below the average are likely to develop for the northern NSW tablelands and the southeastern Darling Downs in Queensland.



Image 1: Rainfall accumulation for the next 48 hours across southwest WA (Source: Weatherwatch Metcentre)

Image 2: Forecast wind gusts for southwest WA at 4pm AEST Wednesday 17 June, 2020

Cold front to bring strong winds but much needed rainfall to southwest WA

Tuesday, 16th June 2020

A cold front will sweep across WA's southwest tomorrow, bringing wind gusts to 100km/h but also much needed rainfall after a warm and dry start to winter.

It has been a largely settled June so far apart from a frontal system late last week, with many parts of the region trending two to five degrees above the long term average for the month, and rainfall currently well short of normal as well.

The strongest front of the month will bring a burst of windy and showery weather from tomorrow, with a severe weather warning issued for damaging winds with peak gusts of around 100km/h. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, damaging winds are expected to to develop about the Southwest Capes from 8am and extend eastwards during Wednesday reaching southwest of a line from Mandurah to Albany around midday.

Damaging surf conditions bringing the risk of beach erosion are also likely to develop tomorrow afternoon between Mandurah and Walpole, extending to Geraldton and Albany on Thursday.

Thunderstorms will accompany the front in some areas (mainly near the coast in the Lower West), bringing the risk of damaging wind gusts. Those near these thunderstorms are also likely to receive heavier rainfall totals than surrounding areas. Widespread falls of 5-10mm are likely, however near thunderstorms falls may exceed 20-30mm.

A high will bring a return to settled conditions from later Thursday and into Friday, with some chilly nights to finish off the working week and into the weekend.



Image 1: BoM Meteye - Wind Speed (knots) for 1:00pm, 16th June, 2020

Image 2: Maatsuyker Island Lighthouse Observations - Northwestern Tasmania - June 16th, 2020

Wild winds batter Western, Northern and Central Tasmania

Tuesday, 16th June 2020

A strong and gusty northwesterly wind flow has battered the northwestern and northern coastal and adjacent inland districts in the wake of a cold front over the past 12 hours, with significant sustained winds and gusts recorded for a number of locations.

Noteworthy wind gusts focus on the western districts of the state, with Maatsuyker Island recording a peak wind gust of 150km/h at both 8:46am, 8:48am and 10:40am respectively. Sustained northwesterly winds for the island have consistently been over the 100km/h mark since 8:40am this morning. (Refer Latest Weather Observations for Maatsuyker Island Lighthouse in the photo provided).

Wind gusts over 100km/h have also been observed in other locations throughout the western region of Tasmania with peak gusts reaching 109km/h for Low Rocky Point, 122km/h for Mount Read and 126km/h for Scotts Peak which was recorded at 9:38am this morning. Earlier this morning, a peak gust of 120km/h was also recorded at Macquarie Island at 3:52am this morning.

Destructive to very destructive winds of this nature likely cause damage to roofs, trees and homes accompanied by chilly temperatures and squally showers. Some locations in the northeastern part of the state were not exempt from damaging winds with Larapuna (Eddystone Point) gusting to 98km/h this morning at 11:08am and also southeastern locations such as Cape Bruny also recording a peak gust of 98km/h at 7:58am.

A Severe Weather Warning for damaging winds is still in effect for people situated within the northeastern districts of the state, which include the Furneaux Islands, North East, East Coast and parts of the Midlands forecast districts with the severe weather warning now cancelled for people situated within the Western, Upper Derwent Valley, South East, North West Coast and Central Plateau districts with winds generally on an easing trend.

The strong cold front will move across central and eastern parts of the state this afternoon, however leaving fresh and gusty winds within it's wake. Snow falls are expected to continue through western parts of the state this afternoon, potentially lowering to 500m in elevation during the evening. There is the low risk of isolated thunderstorms about the south during this evening also, with some squally showers containing snow, graupel and small hail.

Looking ahead into tomorrow, Tasmanian's can expect a further easing trend and reprieve from damaging and locally destructive winds, with the northwesterly air flow set to shift more southwesterly as a high pressure system shifts over the Tasman during Thursday, with a forecast fresh northerly wind flow over the state into Friday at this stage.



Image 1: EWN rainfall totals, QLD 72 hours to 9am 15/06/2020

Image 2: EWN rainfall totals, NSW 72 hours to 9am 15/06/2020

Image 3: EWN rainfall totals, VIC & TAS 72 hours to 9am 15/06/2020

Welcome winter rainfall for eastern Australia

Monday 15th June 2020

Over the weekend, eastern Australia rejoiced as winter rainfall fell across drought stricken inland regions and coastal locations, with widespread falls of 10-20mm.

Late Friday into the weekend, an upper trough and cold front interacted with increasing moisture across eastern Australia to generate a substantial rain band with embedded storms across parts of QLD, NSW, VIC and TAS.

In the last 72 hours to 9am this morning, Mount Read in Tasmania recorded the highest total across the country, with 82.8mm. Widespread falls exceeding 25mm were recorded in Tasmania with Sheffield Farm picking up 52.0mm, Mt Barrow 50.3mm, Mount Victoria 48.6mm and Strahan 35mm.

Parts of Victoria also picked up some handy rainfall, with Mount Buller registering 76.8mm in the 72 hours to 9am this morning. Mount William scored 59.2mm, Booroola 30.4mm, Portland 25.6mm, Mount Hotham 49.4mm and Melbourne 5.8mm.

During Saturday and Sunday, the focus shifted into Queensland and New South Wales, with thunderstorm activity developing during the afternoon and evening, thickening into a rain band whilst shifting east. This rain band produced widespread falls of 10-20mm from northern Queensland to the Victorian border.

The heaviest falls were concentrated across the South West Slopes and Snow Mountains of NSW and the ACT. Cabramurra picked up 48.6mm in the 72 hours to 9am this morning, Thredbo 44.8mm, Mount Ginini 34mm, Carabost 26.9mm, Canberra 9.4mm and Brungle 29.8mm. Across central and northern NSW, Parkes registered 32.8mm, Forbes 28.8mm, Glen Innes 34.4mm, Kings Plains 32.3mm. Whilst western parts of the state picked up some encouraging winter rain, with Cobar scoring 13.6mm, Bourke 6.6mm, Dubbo AP 16.2mm and Okeh 20.8mm.

On Sunday afternoon, the rain band thickened across central and southern QLD, with Cherrabah on the southern Darling Downs scoring 58.6mm, Kettle Swamp Creek 35.9mm, Amiens Knob 41.7mm, Stanthorpe 30.5mm, Applethorpe and Dalveen 33.4mm.

These falls were a welcome relief for the drought-stricken southern Darling Downs and Granite Belt region. Whilst it isn't drought breaking, it will go a long way to keeping moral high with the prospects of further follow-up rain to come over the next two weeks.

The rain continued to fall across central and eastern Queensland during Sunday afternoon, with parts of the Central Highlands picking up some impressive rainfall totals. Roddas Lookout near Springsure registered 55.3mm, Lochington 60.2mm, Rolleston 43.6mm, Blackdown Tableland 32.8mm and Emerald 11.1mm.

Across South East Queensland, Bracken Ridge registered 42.4mm, Upper Caboolture 30.5mm, Wamuran 34mm, Ransome 25.2mm, Spressers Bridge 30.5mm, Canungra Army 26.7mm, Upper Springbrook 32.8mm and Brisbane City 13.4mm.

During Monday, the upper trough and cold front responsible for the widespread falls has moved off the east coast of Australia. Patchy areas of high cloud remain, as the jet stream continues to be situated across central Australia. The remnants of this high cloud may lead to a stunning, fiery sunset during Monday evening!



Image 1: ECWMF Temperature via Windyty.com interface - June 11th, 2020

Image 2: ECWMF Temperature via Windyty.com interface Animation: Friday to Monday - June 11th, 2020

Large High Pressure System to bring cold temperatures to Southern NZ

Thursday, 19th June 2020

Temperatures are set to plummet into this coming weekend as a cold front sweeps over the north island and stalls preceding a very broad high pressure system during this weekend during Saturday and Sunday. A vast portion of New Zealand's South Island is forecast to experience sub-zero temperatures during Saturday night and into Sunday, especially away from the coastal fringes and elevated areas of the southern Alps.

There is also the added risk of accompanying gale force winds from the northwest into tomorrow, specifically concentrated through Southland, which is likely to spread and fan northward up towards areas such as Canterbury, Wairarapa and into Otago.

A large high-pressure system is forecast to move across the South Island into the weekend, with the potential of pressures 1040hpa and above. Typically, these stronger highs are more common towards the end of winter relative to the commencement of winter. The depth of the high may also rival pre-existing records for the month of June, potentially eclipsing the June record of 1044.7hpa measured back in June 2016, although is likely to fall short of the highest pressure ever recorded which was measured in Wellington in 1889 at 1046hpa some 131 years ago.

High pressure systems typically form with the greatest air pressure values contained within the centre relative to the areas around the system itself. The winds tend to blow away from the high pressure centre, and rotate in the opposite direction of a low-pressure system in an anticyclonic flow (anticlockwise).

The air from high up in the upper levels of the atmosphere also sink into the high pressure region centre, as the winds are blown away from the centre of the system itself, and hence the reduction of isobar pressure rings you would typically see on a synoptic weather chart.

Widespread frosts are a significant risk this weekend, with the Canterbury plains forecast to reach an overnight low of -3 particularly through low lying areas, with overnight lows also potentially falling to -5° for inland areas of Tekapo, -5° for Ashburton, -5° for Alexandra and 0° in Queenstown itself during Sunday morning.

Elevated and mountainous areas of the Alps are expected to reach potential low temperatures of 17° below freezing, with the added risk of black ice, and snow showers. This is partly due to the very cold southerly wind flow expected to move northward into the late weekend as the high pressure region slowly shifts eastward.

Road Snowfall Warnings are already currently in effect for parts of the southern island, which include Lindis Pass, Crown Range Road and Milford Road. Snow showers are forecast to affect higher parts of Lindis Pass with 1cm to 3cm of snow expected to accumulate and settle near the summit, with snow showers also expected to settle above 800m for Crown Range Road with 2cm to 4cm of snow forecast to settle above 800m for Lindis Pass.

A Heavy Rain Watch is also current for the eastern regions of the South Island tonight and into tomorrow, but is likely to remain restricted to the ranges of Westland and Fiordland, with up to 60mm possible in some areas, however this threat is expected to ease late in the weekend and into early next week.

During Monday, warm sub-tropical north to northwesterly winds are expected to bring a reprieve to the cold temperatures, however conditions will still remain quite cool at this stage which is quite typical for this time of year.



Image 1: GFS Accumlated precipitation. Image via WeatherWatch

Image 2: ACCESS G Accumlated precipitation. Image via WeatherWatch

Image 3: EC accumulated precipitation. Via weather.us

Image 4: EC accumulated precipitation. Via weather.us

Solid rain on the way for NSW and QLD

Thursday 10th June 2020

Shower activity increased across eastern NSW and QLD during Wednesday with 10-20mm falling across coastal locations.

Further shower activity continued overnight and into Thursday morning across South East QLD and northern NSW whilst easing as an upper trough moves off the coast. There is even the chance of some brief storm activity across the coast and bay islands of SE QLD and far Northern Rivers of NSW during Thursday.

After today, the attention will shift to the weekend as a stronger system approaches from the west. This next upper trough and cold front will interact with increasing moisture to generate a fairly substantial rain band with embedded storms across inland QLD and NSW. At this stage, we may see widespread falls of 10-20mm with higher falls approaching 50mm possible.

This band is likely to move across the Warrego, Darling Downs and northern NSW region on Saturday, before shifting east into Sunday.

Ahead of this front, temperatures will push into the mid 20's across inland regions, with overnight temperatures expected to be well above the June average over the weekend.

Images below include the GFS, ACCESS G and EC model. It is important to note that these totals will not be 100% accurate, and should only be used as a guide. It does look positive for some winter rain, particularly across drough affected regions.



Image 1: Bureau of Meteorology rainfall, Wednesday 10/06/2020 and Thursday 11/06/2020

Image 2: EC accumulated precipitation. Valid to 12pm Friday 12/06/2020

Showery week for eastern Queensland and New South Wales

Tuesday 9th June 2020

Shower activity will increase across the Queensland and NSW coast this week, with the potential for localised thunderstorm activity on Thursday.

During Wednesday, isolated showers will become scattered as winds shift more easterly, with falls of 5-15mm expected. Isolated falls of up to 50mm will be possible across parts of the Mid North Coast in NSW.

Overnight Wednesday and into Thursday, an upper trough will move across eastern Australia, increasing instability across parts of South East Queensland and the southern Wide Bay region.

This is will lead to a further increase in shower activity across southern QLD, with a few isolated thunderstorms possible across the coastal fringe. A further 10-15mm is expected, with isolated falls to 25mm possible, particularly with any storm activity.

During Friday, the upper trough will move off the east coast, clearing most of the shower activity. However, a few light showers may persist for exposed coastal locations across northern NSW and southern QLD, as south to southeasterly winds persist

Over the weekend, a more substantial system will move across southern and eastern Australia, with the potential for a rain band to develop for inland NSW and QLD, with follow up falls of 10-15mm possible. Whilst some uncertainty exists with how much rain may fall with this next system, it is certainly something to keep an eye out for.



Image 1: Temperature Anomoly at 4am AEST Saturday 6th June, 2020 (Source: Wxcharts.com)

Image 2: Meteye Graphic of forecasted frost at 4am AEST Saturday 6th June, 2020 over southeast Australia (Source: Bureau of Meteorology)

Widespread frost and fog over southeast Australia into next week

Friday 5th June 2020

A large high will cause a run of settled weather and light winds across large parts of Australia's southeast for the next week, however at night time the mercury will plummet to as low as 10 degrees below average in some areas with frost and fog commonplace.

Numerous locations had their coldest morning of the year today, including Albury (-0.9c), Bega (-2.6c), Moss Vale (-2.8c), Sydney (7.2c), Braidwood (-6.0c), Canberra (-4.9c), Wagga Wagga (-0.2c), Melbourne (4.1c), Horsham (-2.5c), Warrnambool (-0.1c), Bendigo (-1.3c) and Adelaide Kent Town (3.4c).

As the high remains stubborn until next week, cold foggy and frosty mornings are likely to persist across large parts of the southeast. Saturday morning is likely to be another very cold night/morning for most parts of the southeast. For NSW and TAS, the coldest nights/mornings are likely to occur over the weekend, before warming up into next week as an onshore airflow increases moisture in NSW, and frontal activity brushes TAS.

However for VIC and SA, some areas are likely to see even colder mornings than today and tomorrow early next week as a lingering cold airmass left behind by a weak cold front over the weekend, combines with the light winds and clear skies generated by the high. Albury is forecast to dip to -1 degrees on Monday, whilst Melbourne is forecast to dip to just 3 degrees on Tuesday, and Ballarat 0 degrees.

The high doesn't look like going anywhere soon, and will likely stick around into mid June before frontal activity increases again.



Image 1: Synoptic chart including precipitation of New Zealand on Thursday 4th June, 2020 (Source: Metvuw.com)

Image 2: GFS Accumulated precipitation over the next 96 hours for NZ (Source: Weatherwatch Metcentre)

Image 3: Accumulated fresh snowfall over the South Island (Source: Windy)

Wet, windy, snowy weather to hit New Zealand

Wednesday 3rd June 2020

As much of Australia enters a a period of largely dry weather, New Zealand will be hit by a low pressure system from today until Friday, bringing widespread rain, possible thunderstorms and snow.

The system developed over the Tasman Sea yesterday due to a combination of warm sea surface temperatures and very cold upper level temperatures, and reportedly generated more than 250,000 lightning strikes within 24 hours.

Thunderstorms won't be as widespread as the system impacts New Zealand with only isolated activity expected, however most of the country is likely to get wet, including the drought hit north.

Widespread totals of 5-15mm are likely over the country, although heavier totals of 30-50mm (and isolated heavier totals) are possible over the southwest and northwest of the South Island, far southeast of the North Island as well as the upper North Island. 15-25cm of fresh snow is likely on the Canterbury Ski Fields. Unfortunately, many areas on the eastern side of the country, including Napier and Dunedin are likely to see less than 5-10mm.

Much of the nation will see an increase in winds too, although most areas are unlikely to approach warning criteria. Wind gusts may reach 90-100km/h in more exposed elevated and coastal areas as well as the Cook Strait. A Strong Wind Watch is current until 9pm today for the Auckland area, especially about eastern areas and higher ground, however more watches may be issued in the coming days.

On Saturday, a front will bring another burst of showers, wind and snow, although most of the precipitation will be focused on the South Island. This front will be associated with a bitterly cold airmass, with snow possibly falling as low as 200 metres in far southern parts of the South Island, and the ski fields likely to get another healthy top up.



Image 1: OCF max temperatures, Tuesday 2/06/2020. Image via WeatherWatch

Image 2: EC Potential snow depth, valid to 12pm 2/06/2020. Image via weather.us

Wet, windy and snowy start to winter for southeastern Australia

Monday 1st June 2020

A cold front and upper cold pool of air will move across southeastern Australia today, generating widespread showers, locally damaging winds, hail and snow to low levels.

A cold front will sweep across Victoria today, with locally damaging winds to 90km/h expected this afternoon, particularly with shower activity. Small hail will also develop with this shower activity throughout the day.

Snow will fall above 1500m in Victoria today, lowering to 1200m tonight. Snowfall will drop to 800m across the Snowy Mountain region in NSW this evening, with as much as 15cm falling. Snow flurries will extend into the Central Tablelands during Tuesday morning, with isolated snow flurries even developing across far southern regions of the Northern Tablelands and Barrington Top in the Hunter region.

Showers and isolated storms will develop across northern parts of NSW and far southern QLD this afternoon, as a pre-frontal trough shifts east ahead of a cold front. In the wake of this cold front, a very cold airmass will invade New South Wales and Queensland overnight Monday and into Tuesday.

This cold airmass will lead to maximum temperatures remaining below the June average for many locations. In southern Queensland, Stanthorpe is heading for a top of just 12°C on Tuesday, Toowoomba 14°C, Beaudesert and Ipswich 21°C, Noosa 22°C and Brisbane 21°C. Meanwhile, in NSW Bathurst is heading for a top of 9°C Tuesday, Guyra 6°C, Penrith 17°C, Wollongong and Sydney both 17°C.

Strong to gale force southwesterly winds will develop across parts of northern NSW and southern Queensland during Tuesday, with gust of up to 70km/h. Temperatures are likely to feel even colder during the day, as dry air invades the region in association with gusty winds.

From Tuesday to mid-week, a broad and complex low pressure system is expected to lie east Victoria in the Tasman Sea, directing gusty southerly winds and potentially damaging surf conditions along coastal districts of Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales.


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