A child in southeast Queensland is fighting for their life after being struck by lightning. According to News, the incident occurred near the Sunshine Coast around 2:20 PM (local time) on Saturday, as severe storms battered the region. Paramedics, including critical care specialists, rushed the child to the hospital in critical condition.
The Bureau of Meteorology had issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 3:20 PM, forecasting damaging winds, large hailstones, and heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding.
This event is part of a series of wild weather conditions affecting the Sunshine State, with recent storms causing widespread damage across Brisbane and surrounding areas. The strongest winds since the 1940s were recorded in Archerfield, located in the city's west.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper Remains a Threat
Further north, ex-tropical cyclone Jasper is moving into the Gulf of Carpentaria. Despite its current status as a tropical low, there are concerns it might reintensify and reemerge as another cyclone.
BOM senior meteorologist Angus Hines warned that Jasper could turn back into a tropical cyclone between Wednesday and Friday of the following week, potentially affecting parts of the Top End of the Northern Territory or Far North Queensland.
Heatwave and Fire Danger Across Australia
Australians are facing a weekend of weather extremes, with heatwaves enveloping much of the country while northern Queensland braces for potential flash flooding. Temperatures in Western Australia's interior and mining regions are expected to reach mid-40 degrees celcius, with Sydney also facing high temperatures.
Severe heatwaves have triggered warnings in large parts of WA, southeastern Queensland, coastal and northern NSW, and parts of the Northern Territory. Metro Sydney, The Central Coast, and Northern NSW are at particular risk of extreme fire danger.
