Australia to be battered by worst EVER storm season as experts warn of giant hail, widespread flooding and wild thunder – but there's days of sunshine ahead

Australia is set to be battered by a severe storm season with experts warning of torrential rain, giant hail, damaging winds and wild thunder.

The grim prediction comes after tennis ball-sized hail lashed south-east Queensland last week. 

Despite the severe weather warning, most of the country is locked in for a week of sunshine and mostly warm weather. 

Grey clouds are seen in Brisbane, Queensland, as severe storms lash the city

Tennis ball-sized hail lashed south-east Queensland last week  

Academics from the University of Queensland are analysing the hail stones which battered the state to understand the extreme weather conditions which cause them.    

'We cut in half using a hot wire then we look at the growth rings inside,' UQ Atmospheric science PhD candidate Jordan Brook told the Courier Mail. 

'That gives us information as to the moisture content and the temperature in the cloud.'

The university's climate scientist Professor Roger Stone said it's 'not unusual' to see extreme weather changes during spring.

He explained that the country will experience 'above average' rainfall in the warmer months ahead.

It comes after the Bureau of Meteorology officially confirmed La Niña - which will  bring increased severe weather over the next six months.

A man shelters from the rain during wet weather at Circular Quay in Sydney

Bikini-clad friends head out of the water after a swim at Sydney's popular Bondi Beach on September 17

La Niñas are associated with cooler weather, more rain, an increased chance of flooding and tropical cyclones.

The last such event occurred from 2010 to 2012 and resulted in one of Australia's wettest two-year periods on record.

It also resulted in more severe tropical cyclones than average. 

Despite the severe weather warnings in place, most of Australia is set for a glorious week ahead with warmer temperatures. 

Beachgoers kick around a ball at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach on September 17

Sydneysiders will continue to experience strong winds of up to 40km/h over the weekend before it settles overnight.

The beginning of the work week will see a few clouds and temperatures around the low 20s, before a high of 28C is forecast at the end of the week.  

Victorians enjoying eased coronavirus restrictions will see temperatures soar up to 30C on Tuesday.

But the burst of heat will plummet to a cool 18C by the end of the week, with a few showers expected. 

In Queensland, there's a 50 per chance of showers on Sunday before a week of sunny weather.  

Most of Australia will enjoy warm temperatures throughout the week (Pictured: A packed Coogee Beach is seen on August 30)

A car drives along a flooded road at the Barrier Highway north of Olary in South Australia on October 7 after heavy rainfall

In WA, Perth will experience four seasons in one week.

There is a 95 per cent chance of rain on Monday after a partly cloudy Sunday with a high of 25C. 

In Tasmania, the mercury will hit 31C with sunny days and a few showers. A low of six degrees is also expected. 

Canberrans will enjoy conditions in the mid-20s.

Darwin will be hot with a high of 35C, while temperatures in Adelaide will soar above 30C.   

THE WEATHER IN YOUR CITY 

SYDNEY    

SUNDAY: Min 13. Max 19. Cloudy.

MONDAY: Min 14. Max 21. Partly cloudy.

TUESDAY: Min 13. Max 22. Partly cloudy.

WEDNESDAY: Min 14. Max 24. Sunny.

THURSDAY: Min 16. Max 27. Possible shower.

BRISBANE    

SUNDAY: Min 18. Max 24. Morning shower or two.

MONDAY: Min 15. Max 25. Partly cloudy.

TUESDAY: Min 15. Max 26. Partly cloudy.

WEDNESDAY: Min 16. Max 27. Partly cloudy.

THURSDAY: Min 17. Max 28. Mostly sunny.

ADELAIDE    

SUNDAY: Min 12. Max 28. Sunny.

MONDAY: Min 18. Max 33. Mostly sunny.

TUESDAY: Min 24. Max 34. Showers developing. Possible storm.

WEDNESDAY: Min 17. Max 26. Showers easing. Possible storm.

THURSDAY: Min 13. Max 19. Showers.

CANBERRA  

SUNDAY: Min 5. Max 20. Partly cloudy.

MONDAY: Min 6. Max 22. Mostly sunny.

TUESDAY: Min 8. Max 25. Cloud clearing.

WEDNESDAY: Min 9. Max 28. Mostly sunny.

THURSDAY: Min 15. Max 24. Shower or two.

 

MELBOURNE    

SUNDAY: Min 8. Max 20. Sunny.

MONDAY: Min 12. Max 26. Sunny.

TUESDAY: Min 16. Max 30. Mostly sunny.

WEDNESDAY: Min 21. Max 28. Showers increasing. Windy.

THURSDAY: Min 17. Max 23. Shower or two.

PERTH    

SUNDAY: Min 15. Max 25. Partly cloudy.

MONDAY: Min 15. Max 20. Showers. Possible storm.

TUESDAY: Min 10. Max 19. Shower or two.

WEDNESDAY: Min 9. Max 21. Partly cloudy.

THURSDAY: Min 10. Max 22. Partly cloudy.

HOBART    

SUNDAY: Min 6. Max 17. Mostly sunny.

MONDAY: Min 8. Max 23. Sunny.

TUESDAY: Min 11. Max 27. Partly cloudy.

WEDNESDAY: Min 16. Max 30. Hot. Possible shower.

THURSDAY: Min 17. Max 25. Shower or two.

DARWIN    

SUNDAY: Min 27. Max 35. Partly cloudy.

MONDAY: Min 27. Max 34. Possible shower or storm.

TUESDAY: Min 26. Max 35. Shower or two. Possible storm.

WEDNESDAY: Min 27. Max 35. Possible shower or storm.

THURSDAY: Min 27. Max 34. Possible late shower or storm.

Source: Bureau of Meteorology