SEQ in firing line for severe storms, large hail.

There is a particular stillness that precedes a storm—a heaviness in the air, a sky that seems to hold its breath. For South East Queensland, that stillness has lasted through an unusually dry September, a month that passed without the thunder and lightning that usually mark the arrival of spring. This week, the breath is being released.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that severe thunderstorms are forecast across South East Queensland, with the potential for damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding. The storm system is expected to surge through the region, bringing widespread showers and the possibility of wind and rain damage in some parts .

“For the first time this spring, we are looking at potential for a decent sized storm outbreak in Queensland,” said senior meteorologist Angus Hines. He described the storms as potentially “punchy,” likely to pop up over populated areas including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Coolangatta, Noosa, Toowoomba, and the Burnett region .

Meteorologist Sarah Scully said the potential for severe thunderstorms extends from the northeast parts of the Darling Downs pushing into the southeast coast. “There may be large hail, damaging winds or even some heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding,” she said .

The storm risk comes as Queensland experiences a delayed start to its wet season. Brisbane recorded only 1.4mm of rainfall in September, up slightly from 0.8mm last year, but far below the average of about 29mm . The dry conditions have left the landscape primed for fire, and the incoming storms—with their potential for dry lightning—could spark new ignitions even as they bring rain .

The storms are expected to linger on Wednesday before conditions settle for the rest of the week. For residents of South East Queensland, the advice is straightforward: prepare for the possibility of damaging winds, large hail, and flash flooding, and stay alert to changing conditions. The stillness, for now, is over.

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Sources: The Courier Mail, WAtoday, Yahoo News Australia, Geelong Advertiser, Insurance Business America