If 110 Fires are Not Enough, Queensland Firefighters Could See More Heat, Dry Lightning and Potential Tropical Cyclone to add to State’s Problems

This report from ABC News says Sunday will be a day of vigilance for fire-ravaged parts of Queensland, amid the threat of blazes caused by lightning and the possibility of a tropical cyclone brewing in the northern Coral Sea.

• Severe to extreme fire danger warnings will be in place across the state, with an added threat from dry thunderstorms and associated lightning.
• Bureau of Meteorology (BOM)  is monitoring a low-pressure system in the northern Coral Sea which could develop into a tropical cyclone
• Increased fire danger is anticipated for the Central Highlands, Coalfields, Darling Downs, Granite Belt and Wide Bay-Burnett regions

As 110 fires continue to burn around the state, the BOM warned it could be three or four days before relief arrives, with no significant rain on the horizon in central Queensland.

But thunderstorms without rain are a very real possibility, which could mean an increased chance of fires started by dry lightning.

Meanwhile, a low-pressure system in the northern Coral Sea is being monitored by the BOM, rated as a “greater than 50 per cent chance” of forming into a tropical cyclone.

“It’s a very uncertain situation, and the impacts on the Queensland coast are hard to predict at this stage. It’s just something to keep aware of. The BOM said.

Authorities say, greater vigilance would be required for large parts of the state on Sunday, due to a trough system moving through the state, increased wind conditions combined with the heat, and an already dry fuel state.