As the eastern coast of Australia braces for a tumultuous weekend, the Bureau of Meteorology has issued warnings for strong winds and heavy rain expected to hit regions from New South Wales (NSW) to Queensland. Starting Friday, May 9, 2025, south-easterly winds are predicted to lash the north of the NSW coast and nearly the entire Queensland coastline, prompting authorities to alert residents to prepare for severe weather conditions.
Specifically, warnings have been issued for the Byron and Coffs coasts in NSW, as well as areas stretching from the Gold Coast to the North East Gulf of Carpentaria in Queensland. These regions are likely to experience gusty winds that could pose risks to safety and property.
While the east coast faces turbulent weather, Brisbane is forecasted to enjoy relatively mild temperatures, with highs of 24°C on both Friday and Sunday, and 23°C on Saturday. In contrast, Cairns will see slightly warmer temperatures, reaching 27°C on Friday and 28°C over the weekend. However, inland areas of Queensland are expected to bask in mostly sunny conditions, a stark contrast to the coastal weather.
In a concerning development for graziers, the Bureau has also warned that extremely cold temperatures in parts of the Snowy Mountains could lead to potential losses of lambs and sheep due to exposure. Canberra, the capital of Australia, is bracing for exceptionally cold conditions, with minimum temperatures plummeting to as low as -2°C on Friday. Fog and frost are expected in the mornings, but daytime highs should reach around 20°C throughout the weekend.
Sydney's forecast indicates light showers over the weekend, with temperatures gradually warming from 21°C on Friday to 23°C by Sunday. The weather will be less forgiving for Tasmanians, particularly those on the southeast and southwest coasts, where gale-force winds are expected. Hobart residents can anticipate partly cloudy skies, with temperatures hovering around 18°C each day.
On the other hand, Melbourne and Adelaide are set to enjoy pleasant weather, with mostly sunny days and light winds. Forecasts predict maximum temperatures ranging from 21-23°C in Melbourne and 22-24°C in Adelaide. Perth and Darwin will also experience sunny conditions, with Darwin expected to reach a sizzling 34°C most days. Perth's temperatures will range between 26°C and 31°C, making it one of the warmer spots in the country.
Beyond the immediate forecasts, meteorologists are noting a significant trend: Australia is on track for one of its warmest winters ever. According to Sky News Australia Meteorologist Rob Sharpe, the seasonal transition toward winter has been remarkably mild, with only a few cool spells marking the lead-up to the cold season. In fact, the two most recent winters have been the warmest on record, and this year, which officially begins on June 1, 2025, appears to be following a similar trajectory.
Several towns in Victoria and Tasmania, including Hobart, recorded their warmest May mornings on record earlier this week, underscoring the unusual warmth. The cause of this mild weather is largely attributed to warmer ocean temperatures, which have been significantly above average. March and April recorded some of the highest ocean temperatures on record, second only to 2016, contributing to the warm conditions experienced across the country.
Mr. Sharpe noted that forecasts suggest a warmer than usual winter ahead. "It is quite likely this winter will be within the top six warmest on record – with a decent chance of challenging the two most recent," he stated. As for 2025, it could potentially be the hottest year Australia has ever seen, with minimum temperatures for the first four months already the warmest recorded.
Looking at the upcoming weekend, the Bureau of Meteorology has provided forecasts for major cities:
- Perth: Thursday, May 8: Sunny, Max 30. Friday, May 9: Sunny, Min 16 Max 31. Saturday, May 10: Cloud clearing, Min 15 Max 26.
- Adelaide: Thursday, May 8: Partly cloudy, Max 20. Friday, May 9: Sunny, Min 7 Max 21. Saturday, May 10: Sunny, Min 10 Max 23.
- Melbourne: Thursday, May 8: Partly cloudy, Max 17. Friday, May 9: Sunny, Min 7 Max 19. Saturday, May 10: Mostly sunny, Min 5 Max 21.
- Hobart: Thursday, May 8: Showers easing, Max 14. Friday, May 9: Cloudy, Min 10 Max 17. Saturday, May 10: Partly cloudy, Min 11 Max 18.
- Canberra: Thursday, May 8: Mostly sunny, Max 18. Friday, May 9: Morning frost, Sunny, Min -1 Max 19. Saturday, May 10: Morning frost, Cloudy, Min -1 Max 20.
- Sydney: Thursday, May 8: Shower or two, Max 21. Friday, May 9: Showers, Min 13 Max 20. Saturday, May 10: Shower or two, Min 14 Max 22.
- Brisbane: Thursday, May 8: Mostly sunny, Max 28. Friday, May 9: Possible shower, Min 18 Max 24. Saturday, May 10: Shower or two, Min 16 Max 23.
- Darwin: Thursday, May 8: Sunny, Max 33. Friday, May 9: Mostly sunny, Min 23 Max 34. Saturday, May 10: Mostly sunny, Min 24 Max 34.
As Australia navigates through this unusual weather pattern, residents are advised to stay informed and prepared for the upcoming conditions, especially those living in the affected coastal regions.
