Australia -- New South Wales Weather Update

MELBOURNE - Dec 15/08 - SNS -- The current forecast for the state of New South Wales was released by Australia's Bureau of Meteorology.

Warning Summary:
Strong Wind Warning for coastal waters south of Smoky Cape. Minor Flood Warning
for the Peel and Namoi Rivers. Refer to www.bom.gov.au for the latest warning
information.
Current Weather Situation and Future Developments:
A deep low over the central Tasman Sea is moving towards New Zealand and losing
influence in New South Wales, while a weak high pressure ridge is extending into
the state from the west. This ridge will maintain fine conditions across the
region until a trough begins to trigger shower activity over the south late
Tuesday and into Wednesday. There should also be sufficient instability to allow
thunderstorms to form over the southern half of the state on Wednesday, with the
focus of activity gradually shifting to the east on Thursday. At this stage
there is remains some uncertainty over the trough's development heading into
Friday, with some indication that a low may form within it.
Forecast for Tuesday
Fine apart from isolated late showers developing in the far southeast. High
cloud increasing over the south, but sunny elsewhere. Generally light winds,
with afternoon sea breezes developing along the coast. Dangerous surf conditions
on the far north coast.
Forecast for Wednesday
Isolated showers and the chance of thunderstorms in the southern half of the
state, mainly nearer the Victorian border. Fine in the north. Northwest to
northeast winds in the north, and southerly winds extending through the southern
half.
Forecast for Thursday
Isolated showers and thunderstorms in the south, contracting east and extending
to the northeast during the day. Becoming fine in the west. North to northwest
winds in the north, and southwest to southeast winds in the south.
Forecast for Friday
Isolated showers in the east. Fine in the west. Southwest to southeast winds
extending throughout.

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STAT News Service