Record heat in Queensland, damaging winds in Victoria and Tasmanian floods and wind are connected, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM).

Two interconnected weather systems brought with them wild weather from north to south along the east coast. BoM meteorologist Jonathan How said high pressure systems in the north collided with cold air from the south, creating more intense cold fronts in the south.

An intense heatwave has moved across Queensland, breaking several temperature records for the time of year over 10 days. At the same time, strong winds blew across Victoria with gusts of up to 156 km/h, marking the longest stretch of strong winds in three to four years. Heavy rainfall in Tasmania, particularly in the west, saw some areas receiving over 300mm in a week, along with powerful winds up to 187 km/h.

According to How, weather conditions are gradually easing, with Queensland’s heat subsiding and Victoria’s winds calming, although more windy days and rain are expected later in the week.