A late-summer heatwave will touch part of every state and territory in Australia this week as heavy tropical rain causes flooding in parts of Qld and the NT.
A relatively stagnant weather pattern will cause two distinct types of weather in Australia this week. In the north there will be lots of cloud and rain near an active monsoon trough. Further south, there will be plenty of sunshine allowing hot air to build over the continent.
The map below shows how much rain one computer model is predicting over northeastern Australia this week. This deluge will be caused by a tropical low meandering over the Gulf of Carpentaria before moving over land with the monsoon trough later in the week.
Image: Forecast accumulated rainfall during the week ending on Sunday, February 19, 2023, according to the ECMWF-HRES model.
While northern Australia is accustomed to wet weather at this time of year, this week’s soaking could deliver enough rain to cause areas of flooding that may affect roads and communities in Qld and the NT.
But while Australia’s northeastern tropics will be covered in cloud for most of this week, clearer skies in most other parts of the country will bring a surge of summer heat.
The maps below show the predicted maximum temperatures across Australia during the first four days of this week. This intense heat will persist through the back end of the week as well, causing heatwave conditions in parts of every state and territory over the next seven days, including several capital cities.
Images: Forecast daily maximum temperature between Monday and Thursday this week, according to the ECMWF-HRES model.
With a mix of dangerous weather on the cards across Australia this week, be sure to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings in your area. To find out more about our weather services, please visit our business website or email us at apac.sales@dtn.com.
