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A major storm system with cyclone-strength winds is impacting Western Australia, with warnings for destructive gusts, thunderstorms, and flash flooding. The system will move east, bringing a wintry blast to South Australia and Victoria by Monday-Tuesday, with potential snow in alpine areas.
Residents in WA’s south-west were advised to prepare for gusts exceeding 125km/h from Saturday evening, with the Bureau of Meteorology noting the system’s significance.
The storm may herald the start of winter but long-term forecasts suggest a warmer-than-average season due to potential El Niño development.
Queensland is forecast to experience unusually warm weather in the coming days, with multiple coastal cities in the state's south-east expected to reach 31°C by tomorrow and Brisbane potentially hitting 33°C. The Bureau of Meteorology attributes the heat to westerly winds and a high-pressure system extending a ridge to the mainland. Birdsville in western Queensland is predicted to reach 37°C, though the annual Birdsville Races will proceed with organisers confirming preparations including additional shade and horse cooling measures. Authorities warn of heat-related risks for vulnerable populations, urging hydration, sun protection, and checking on isolated older residents.
Western Australia ended a record-dry July with widespread rainfall in August, including snow on Bluff Knoll, hail, fog, and frost in Perth, and record daily totals in several locations, providing relief from drought conditions despite not fully offsetting July's deficit.
Queensland will see temperatures rise across the state this week as spring arrives, with highs reaching 33°C in the south-east by the weekend due to a weakening high-pressure system and weak trough. Meanwhile, winter rainfall totals have been patchy, with Townsville recording its driest winter in nearly 20 years and the Sunshine Coast Airport its wettest since 2016, while nearby Beerburrum remains well below average.