Damaging winds and large hailstones could soon sweep into Canberra. On Tuesday afternoon, the weather bureau issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the territory and its surrounds.
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Forecasters predict storms which could lead to flash flooding will break overhead in the next few hours.
It follows a run of hot days and sudden storms, raining thunder and lightning down on the capital as Australia's south-east continues to swelter through a heatwave.
While about 3mm of rain fell overnight in Canberra, the mercury hit 35 degrees at 5:30pm.
At 7pm on Tuesday, no rain had yet fallen.
Wednesday is likely to reach another top of 35 degrees and Thursday will climb to 36 before the cool change arrives for a mild 25 degree top on Friday.
Last week, the heat was broken by intense storms that briefly hammered Canberra with hail - and even flooded parts of the Tuggeranong hyperdome.
During storms, the State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- Move your car under cover or away from trees.
- Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
- Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
- Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid on 131 388, or Endeavour Energy on 131 003 or Essential Energy on 132 080, as shown on your power bill.
- Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
- Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.
- If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
- Unplug computers and appliances.
- Avoid using the phone during the storm.
- Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
- For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.
The bureau will issue its next weather warning just after 9pm.
