South-eastern Australia will experience a significant weather shift this weekend, moving from hot, dry conditions with elevated fire danger to a cooler, showery period as a cold front pushes through.
Showers and #thunderstorms are possible over most parts of the #SouthWestLandDivision in #WA including #Perth today.
For the latest forecasts and warnings, visit our website https://t.co/4W35o8i7wJ or the BOM Weather app. pic.twitter.com/MQfC8xzllp
— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) March 14, 2025
Fire Danger Peaks Before Relief Arrives
Fire danger remains the primary concern across the region. While today brings moderate to high fire danger, conditions will intensify tomorrow. High fire dangers are forecast across Victoria and south-eastern New South Wales, while extreme fire danger is expected in southern South Australia, including the Mount Lofty Ranges and mid-north districts.
“These extreme fire dangers will trigger fire weather warnings as we go into tomorrow and will promote very, very dangerous conditions for any fires that are ongoing in the landscape or any fresh fires that do develop,” the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) warned.
Severe Weather Update: Heat and elevated fire dangers for SE Aus ahead of a weekend cold front
Video current: 12:00 pm AEDT 14 March 2025.
Latest forecasts and warnings: https://t.co/4W35o8iFmh or the BOM Weather app. pic.twitter.com/ZcrG7vcHlH
— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) March 14, 2025
By Sunday, fire dangers will ease in South Australia, but high fire risks will shift to eastern New South Wales and eastern Tasmania as strong winds persist ahead of and behind the cold front. Some districts will still see high fire danger into Monday.
Temperatures Soar Before Cold Air Moves In
Temperatures across the south-east are already soaring, with inland areas reaching the high 30s to low 40s. Heat will peak tomorrow, with Adelaide expecting 39°C and Melbourne reaching 36°C under low-intensity heatwave conditions.
As the cold front moves through on Sunday, milder weather will arrive in South Australia and Victoria, but heat will persist in New South Wales, with Sydney set to reach 36°C.
However, a sharp drop is coming. “The coldest air behind the cold front will move in late Sunday going into Monday,” BOM stated. Monday will bring widespread high-teen temperatures across the south-east, with inland areas cooling to the low 20s.
Wind, Rain, and Even Snow for Tasmania
Rainfall will increase over the weekend, with showers developing in Tasmania on Saturday before spreading across the mainland on Sunday. Strong winds will accompany this system, particularly impacting Tasmania, southern Victoria, and south-east South Australia.
“Saturday evening going into Sunday morning is likely to be a very windy period for Tasmania in particular, but may impact parts of southern Victoria and south-east South Australia as well,” BOM advised. Damaging wind gusts could prompt warnings over the next 24 to 48 hours.
As the cold air deepens, Tasmania may see small hail late Sunday into Monday, with snow flurries possible on the state’s highest peaks.
Thunderstorms Could Bring Localised Heavy Rain
Sunday will also bring a band of rain, showers, and thunderstorms across the mainland. While most storms will be non-severe, they could still produce gusty winds and short downbursts.
However, BOM warned of possible severe thunderstorms in northern and north-eastern Victoria on Sunday afternoon and evening. “They may deliver locally heavy rain or damaging wind gusts as they move through, with the front.”
By late Sunday into early Monday, the front will move up the New South Wales coast, reaching Sydney with a burst of gusty southerly winds.
Rainfall Totals Likely to Be Low
Despite the stormy change, rainfall totals will be relatively low for most of the south-east, including south-east South Australia, western and northern Victoria, and the east coast of New South Wales.
The highest rainfall is expected in western Tasmania, with moderate falls also possible in northern Tasmania and eastern Victoria. Some thunderstorms could bring heavier localised falls, depending on their movement.
Stay Alert as Conditions Evolve
As fire dangers peak before the cold front moves in, authorities urge residents to stay informed. “Make sure you stay on top of the forecasts and warnings via the Bureau’s website and the BOM weather app,” BOM advised.
With extreme fire danger, heatwaves, strong winds, and a cool change ahead, south-eastern Australia is set for a dramatic weather shift over the coming days. Stay safe and prepared.
