A volatile weather pattern is set to cause widespread thunderstorm activity over Australia throughout the first week of summer, with severe storms likely to hit multiple states and territories.

The last week of spring is featuring prolific rain and thunderstorm activity over large areas of northern and eastern Australia. This wet and stormy weather will continue on Friday and Saturday, the last two days of spring, with areas of heavy rain expected over parts of the NT, Queensland, NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT.

Image: Forecast accumulated rain during the last two days of spring, according to the ECMWF-HRES model.

This end-of-spring soaking will be followed by a new storm-producing weather pattern in the opening days of summer.

An array of surface-based low pressure troughs interacting with a series of upper-level troughs will produce daily showers and thunderstorms over Australia from this Sunday throughout next week.

This stormy start to summer will be enhanced by above average sea surface temperatures to the northwest and southeast of Australia, which will supply ample moisture for storms due to enhanced evaporation.

Image: Sea surface temperature anomalies on November 27. Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Rain and storms are likely to develop over part of every Australian state and territory in the first week of summer, with some states to see storms on each of the first seven days of the season.

There is a good chance that some of the impending storms will become severe, produce heavy rain, large hail or damaging winds. It’s also worth pointing out that even if a storm does not meet the criteria to be classified as severe, all thunderstorms produce lightning, which can be dangerous if you are outside during the storm.

Image: Lightning status on the Weatherzone app for Thredbo, NSW at 12:20pm on Nov 29, 2024.

Be sure to check the latest forecasts and warnings in your area for the most up-to-date information during the next two days and throughout the first week of summer.

Title image credit: iStock / mdesigner125