Weather News

Stormy end to spring in Queensland

Ben Domensino, Friday November 25, 2016 - 11:50 AEDT

A week-long thunderstorm outbreak kicks off in Queensland today.

Late spring is typically one of the stormiest times of year in Queensland, due to increasingly warmer air from the north clashing with cold polar air from the south. The contrast between these air masses is most pronounced at this time of year, causing volatile conditions that are ideal for storm development.

A trough of low pressure lingering over the state during the next week marks the battle front between the contrasting air masses. This will be the focus of thunderstorm activity during the next seven days.

Storms will develop over northwestern and central parts of the state today, near and to the north of the trough. Storms are unlikely in the southeast as the air is too dry. Severe storms are most likely to develop over parts of the Wide Bay and Burnett, Capricornia and Central Highlands and Coalfields districts, where the greatest instability exists. Heavy rain, damaging winds and heavy rain are all a risk.

The trough will retrogress on Saturday, meaning it moves back towards the west instead of a more typical west to east progression. This will allow storms to spread into the state's southeast and once again develop over central districts and the northwest.

Storms will become even more widespread on Sunday as the trough continues its retrogression. Lightning and thunder are a risk over parts of every inland district and may affect some coastal areas as well.

Looking further ahead, thunderstorms will continue to form each day from Monday until at least Thursday over northwestern and central parts of Queensland. The southeast may see more storms at the start of the week, although this will depend on the location of the trough.

Keep an eye on the storm warnings each day during the next week at: http://www.weatherzone.com.au/warnings.jsp

- Weatherzone

© Weatherzone 2016

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