The Australian Weather Forum

Yep, need to watch it closely now, it's about to go off. Very volatile atmosphere out there.

Mid level cloud band which has refused to back down for the last 48hrs straight has killed it.

It's a case of too much tropical moisture. It's the kind of setup that would have us soaked here if it was somewhere between May and October.

Still the likelihood of a bit of a rain band overnight and tomorrow morning.

Summer is dry after all, we only average about 6 or 7 rain days in Jan and Feb and we are at the summer solstice right now, so expect a lot of dry and boring days ahead. With any luck we can still get the odd storm outbreak and/or tropical origin system affecting us this summer. The last thing we want is a double up of last summers freakish heat and dry. Surely lightning won't strike twice (if you pardon the expression).

On a different, but related topic - those compiling storm spotting place lists, Pretty Sally (just nth of Wallan) is a must if in the area!
I could see the base and lower structure of that Cape Schank cell!
Peter

light rain all of a sudden here and still very hot

Hillbilly, pm me for my mobile for obs if u like. Have a grandstand view from here.
P.S. that convergence was where the Otway and Cape schank cells grew from.
Peter

zero to report here in Ballarat. 3 days of rain forecasted for less than 1mm. Pathetic. Been humid and warm last few days, Will see a wind change over night and morning drizzle to greet me as I go to work with a hangover. The only wet place at the moment is the back of my throat!

Black clouds developing just over my house in highett
Looks great
Something very volatile

Cell over the bay west of frankston is on that convergence line. High based with heavy rain falling out of it. will get the binos and watch for sparks.
Peter

Thunder !!!!!

Here we go, radar has some great cells over the bay. I was watching them from Mt Dandenong for a while but left just as they got going (things seem to happen when I leave). Hoping for some lightning in the Eastern Suburbs - camping in the backyard tonight!

from here, both cells are one in front of other, but on that convergence line thats been humming away all arvo.
Peter

Constant thunder here
Very freaky cloud formation
Wind picking up
Dangerous storm coming this way

Those two cells over the bay are going nuts!

that whole line is starting to explode with pilieus caps on all towers. just advised the bom. Warnings imminent
51kt gust at Fawkner Beacon!
Peter

Bummer, they are slipping south of me but I just heard some thunder.

train of very low scud leading in to one of the storms from the west. Cant see which storm from here.
Peter

That sure did explode with Black in it on the Radar..

Brief heavy shower and some thunder here. 3rd thunder day this month

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - MELBOURNE AREA
for DAMAGING WIND, HEAVY RAINFALL and LARGE HAILSTONES

For people in the South East and parts of the Mornington Peninsula, Outer East, Port Phillip and Western Port Local Warning Areas.

Issued at 7:12 pm Sunday, 22 December 2013.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 7:15 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Mordialloc and waters off Sandringham. These thunderstorms are moving towards the southeast. They are forecast to affect Cranbourne, Dandenong and Frankston by 7:45 pm and KooWeeRup, Lang Lang and the area east of Mornington by 8:15 pm.

Damaging winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones are likely.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Keep clear of fallen power lines.
* secure any loose objects in the vicinity of your home.
* keep away from creeks and drains.
* do not drive vehicles through flooded areas.
* stay indoors if possible.
* Avoid using the phone during the storm.
* if you are outside, avoid sheltering under trees
* listen to the radio for storm updates
* switch off your computer and electrical appliances

The next warning is due to be issued by 8:15 pm.

A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for parts of the Central district.

Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at http://www.bom.gov.au" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; or call 1300 659 217. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.




http://www.bom.gov.au" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Slipped south of me just
There was a green tinge on the horizon as it passed
All we got was a blast of wind an low scud