Overview

• A potent low-pressure system and polar cold front are unleashing the most widespread rainfall across Australia in two years and poised to make July the wettest month since June 2023.
• The Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe thunderstorm warnings from Augusta to Gingin, including Perth, citing heavy rain and gusts that risk flash flooding and property damage.
• Wilyabrup recorded 72 mm of rain in six hours and Cape Naturaliste experienced wind gusts up to 98 km/h as isolated hailstorms and a suspected tornado triggered flash flooding in parts of Perth.
• Millions in the south-east remain under ongoing rainbands that have provided crucial relief to drought-stricken western Victoria, though long-term deficits persist.
• Angus Hines of the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts the system will sweep into South Australia, New South Wales and southern Queensland over the coming days with damaging winds expected in alpine and coastal regions.