After a heavy downfall in Wagga Saturday morning, the Bureau of Meteorology confirmed that the confidence of last night’s prediction for severe thunderstorms is less likely in the region. 

Meterologist Kat Kovacevic at BOM said there’s a chance of severe thunderstorms, which could still see heavy rain, damaging winds or large hail. 

“Most likely there will be heavy rain and that is predicted in Wagga this afternoon and by evening and Sunday’s forecast doesn’t look too significant,” Ms Kovacevic said. 

“I think BOM will downgrade the storm rating from red to yellow, which goes from a severe storm likely to a possible severe storm.” 

EARLIER: 

Storms are rolling into Wagga and the Bureau of Meteorology is indicating a large area of NSW is expected to experience severe thunderstorms this weekend. 

These thunderstorms may include heavy rain, large hail and damaging wind gusts. 

BOM is still currently assessing today’s observations in Wagga and the temperature and humidity.

Saturday will most likely see storm activity focused on central and southern parts of the state and the storms are most likely in the afternoon and evening. 

Due to the speed, volatility and potential impacts of thunderstorms it is recommended people pay particular attention to warnings issued by BOM and other emergency agencies.

People prone to respiratory conditions are being urged to take extra care as the start of thunderstorm season approaches.

Murrumbidgee Local Health District director Public Health Unit Tracey Oakman has urged asthma sufferers and people with breathing problems to take extra precautions during the next four weeks.

“Even if you don’t have asthma, you should take extra care because airborne pollens are at their highest levels at this time of year,” Mrs Oakman said.

“Where possible avoid being outside during thunderstorms over the next four weeks. Parents should be vigilant to keep their children inside during storms, with the doors and windows closed.”

In Melbourne in 2016, about 3,600 more people than usual presented to hospital and nine died from asthma attacks after a severe thunderstorm.

“Thunderstorms cause pollen grains to explode and release fine particles which can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, causing even more people to wheeze and sneeze.

“Anyone with diagnosed asthma should carry their asthma medication with them at all times during this high risk period.”

The Public Health Unit will be monitoring thunderstorm activity and pollen count levels and issuing alerts at these high risk times.

“If you have asthma, make sure you have an asthma action plan and are proactively managing your symptoms. “It’s also important for people to know Asthma first aid, so they can help family and friends when they need it.”

The four steps to remember are:

Breathing difficulties can be life threatening. In the event of an asthma emergency dial triple zero (000) immediately.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) has set up a SMS alert system when the pollen counts are high and thunderstorms are predicted.