Global marine heatwaves will help fuel a wetter than average summer in Australia, as a heatwave in the Pacific nicknamed “the blob” threatens to cause intense winter storms in the United States.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned of a higher risk of severe weather between October and April, which it said was the peak time for thunderstorms, tropical cyclones, flooding, heatwaves and bushfires.

Beachgoers watch as a thunderstorm approaches on a scorching day in Melbourne. Credit: Michael Clayton-Jones

Senior meteorologist Angus Hines said above-average rainfall was predicted across parts of south-east and north-east Australia from November to January.

A negative phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is under way, associated with increased rainfall in southern and eastern Australi

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