As November ushers in peak storm season across Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology warns of severe thunderstorms threatening south-east Queensland, including Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast, while residents in the far northern Gulf country endure extreme heatwave conditions reaching 40 degrees Celsius.
Following a mostly fine start to the week, weather conditions across the state are splitting into two distinct hazards. Senior meteorologist Steve Hadley noted that the thunderstorm risk ramps up significantly over south-eastern parts of the region, bringing the potential for large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rain capable of triggering flash floods.
⛈️ Showers & storms possible for much of north, central & #SEQ, with severe storms possible from Moranbah to Kingaroy and in the Gold Coast. 🌡️ Heatwave conditions persist statewide. Heatwaves start to ease in the east over the weekend. Details: https://t.co/xhhEZNgX0v pic.twitter.com/se8yB0Ddfu
These anticipated downpours follow a recent deluge over the past two weeks and arrive on the heels of a vigorous storm supercell that tracked across the Darling Downs. That system spared the region from major structural damage but still delivered substantial ice. According to reporting from ABC News, weather observers recorded 5-centimetre hailstones at Millmerran, located roughly 200 kilometres west of Brisbane, at approximately 3:40 pm.
Shortly before 5 pm on the same day, residents in Blackbutt, about 165 kilometres north-west of Brisbane, reported hailstones measuring between 2 and 4 centimetres. Additional large hail was documented in Yandilla, north-east of Blackbutt. As the storm tracks shift, temperatures in the south-east are climbing steadily, with maximums in Brisbane expected to peak at 35 degrees Celsius on Thursday.
Meanwhile, northern regions face an entirely different atmospheric pressure system. The weather bureau issued a severe heatwave warning for parts of the Peninsula and Gulf country, affecting locations such as Kowanyama and Weipa. Maximum temperatures are hovering in the high 30s throughout the week, climbing directly to 40 degrees Celsius by Thursday.
Mount Isa’s seven-day forecast projects consistent maximums of 40 degrees Celsius every day, accompanied by overnight minimums staying elevated at 23 degrees Celsius. It’s pretty hot for them at this time of year,
Steve Hadley said, noting that temperatures in the far west are sitting up to 8 degrees above the seasonal average.
| Location | Weather Hazard | Peak Temperature / Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Brisbane / South-East QLD | Severe Thunderstorms, Flash Floods | 35°C (Thursday), 5cm hail reported nearby |
| Millmerran | Supercell Storm | 5-centimetre hailstones |
| Blackbutt | Severe Storms | 2 to 4-centimetre hailstones |
| Mount Isa & Gulf Country | Severe Heatwave | 40°C daily maximums (8°C above average) |
| Kowanyama / Weipa | Extreme Heat Warning | High 30s to 40°C |
The stark contrast leaves the south-east dealing with increased cloud cover and scattered showers, while the rest of the state contends with above-average heat. These regional weather extremes coincide with new predictive modelling indicating that Australia’s upcoming cyclone season could rank among the quietest on record.
