Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has released a severe weather long-range forecast, warning of flooding, heatwaves, thunderstorms and tropical cyclones to come from October to April.

The BOM said the coming severe weather season could see increased risks of widespread flooding for eastern and northern Australia, while coastal flooding could occur on the New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland coasts.

“In southern areas, heatwaves may last longer, be warmer overnight and more humid all of which can increase the risk to human health,” said the BOM.

Severe thunderstorms are more common during the warmer months, particularly in northern NSW, southern Queensland, inland Western Australia and across the tropical north.

The bureau noted that thunderstorm asthma could be triggered after high grass growth in southern Australia from October to December lifts pollen levels.

Meanwhile, there is a greater than 70 per cent chance of 11 tropical cyclones developing in the November to April Australian tropical cyclone season, which can bring destructive winds, heavy rain and other hazards, including landslips and coastal erosion. 

(Xinhua/NAN)