Today, a dramatic display of thunder and lightning stretched from the Northern Territory all the way to the southern reaches of South Australia, as storm activity intensifies across the nation.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a forecast predicting significant storm conditions, which are advancing eastward from Western Australia and expected to persist through the weekend. Central Australia is particularly at risk today.

“Thunderstorms are anticipated to occur all the way from the Top End down to the southern regions of South Australia,” explained Jonathan How, a meteorologist with the Bureau, in their latest forecast.

He further highlighted an area in central Australia where severe thunderstorms remain a possibility. Meanwhile, in Queensland, these storms are expected to spread further into the southern interior, becoming more prevalent.

“In Queensland, thunderstorms start to dip a little further down into the southern interior and become more likely.”

Tomorrow, a number of weather systems are forecast to merge, making thunderstorms possible over a “very broad” swathe of the country, including the west, the interior, and the east.

This will include southern and south-eastern Queensland, north-east New South Wales, southern South Australia, and western Victoria.

“Saturday is the peak day for activity, with thunderstorms building through the day and peaking in the afternoon and evening,” How said.

“By Saturday evening, thunderstorms are possible from central and eastern New South Wales up into Queensland and the north of the country. Severe thunderstorms may develop across populated areas during the afternoon and evening.”

“Storms, particularly severe storms, can cause impacts,” How said.

“Rain can wash away dirt and secondary roads, causing transport disruptions. Wind can cause damage to trees and property.

“Heavy rain and large hail can cause impacts to agricultural communities that are now starting to enter the harvesting season.”