Launceston's Wet Weekend Forecast: Heavy Rains and Damaging Winds on the Horizon

Launceston is preparing for a wet and windy weekend, as the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe weather warning for heavy rainfall and damaging winds. Following a relatively sunny and mild mid-week, the weather is set to take a dramatic turn.

Wednesday's Weather: A Calm Before the Storm

Wednesday will see partly cloudy conditions with a 50 per cent chance of rain, with only up to two millimetres expected. Temperatures will remain pleasant, with a minimum of 13 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 26 degrees Celsius. This relatively mild weather will provide a brief respite before the weekend's deluge.

Thursday and Friday: A Temporary Lull

The rainfall will decrease on Thursday, with only a 40 per cent chance of showers and an expected one millimetre of rain. Friday is predicted to remain dry, though cloudy conditions will lower the temperature to a maximum of 19 degrees Celsius. This brief respite allows residents to prepare for the anticipated severe weather.

Weekend Weather: A Washout?

The weekend will mark a significant change, with the possibility of heavy rainfall and damaging winds. Saturday will see up to two millimetres of rain, mainly falling later in the day. However, Sunday is set to be the wettest day of the week, with up to 10 millimetres of rainfall predicted. This has the potential to surpass the rainfall record for November so far, currently held by Friday the eighth, which saw only 3.4 millimetres of rain.

A Month of Extremes

October and November have displayed contrasting weather patterns. October experienced 34.2 millimetres of rain across seven days, with a particularly rainy Saturday on October 19 accounting for half of that total. In contrast, November, until the weekend's forecast, has been relatively dry, with only four days of rain recorded in Launceston. This dramatic shift in weather is causing concern for residents and authorities alike.

Severe Weather Warning: Flash Flooding and Power Outages Possible

The BOM's severe weather warning highlights the potential for significant disruption. A cold front with "very moist and windy conditions" is expected to bring rain and thunderstorms from early Sunday morning. Six-hourly rainfall totals of 20mm to 40mm are likely, with isolated totals of up to 80mm possible in areas experiencing thunderstorms. Damaging north to north-westerly winds averaging 60km/h to 70km/h, with peak gusts of around 100km/h, are expected, particularly in elevated terrain. This poses a significant risk of power outages and property damage, even at lower elevations, due to the potential for widespread thunderstorms.

Preparing for the Storm

Residents are urged to prepare for the potential impacts of heavy rain, damaging winds, and flash flooding. This includes securing loose objects, clearing gutters and drains, and charging electronic devices. Staying informed about the latest weather updates is crucial, ensuring you have access to reliable weather reports through trusted sources such as the Bureau of Meteorology.

A Look Ahead: A Return to Calm?

The Bureau of Meteorology expects the severe weather to ease during Sunday afternoon as the front moves across the state. After the weekend’s deluge, the week ahead should see a return to calmer weather conditions; however, residents should remain vigilant and monitor weather reports for any unexpected changes. The contrast between the mild weather in the mid-week and the anticipated severe weather for the weekend should be treated seriously and adequate preparation will minimize the impact. While the potential for disruptions exists, the necessary preparations and attention to weather updates will ensure the safety and well-being of residents across the region. The potential impacts of these severe weather conditions should not be underestimated and proactive measures are necessary to mitigate risks.