IN BRIEF
- Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to spread from SA through NSW and into Queensland.
- A coastal low is driving dangerous weather conditions, with flash flooding and travel disruption possible.
A significant weather event is on the horizon for eastern Australia, with meteorologists predicting some regions will see their most substantial rainfall in months. According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), a major rain system is developing, poised to impact a vast area this week.
The BoM reports that rain and thunderstorms will extend across much of the south-east and east of the country. This weather pattern will initially affect parts of South Australia, western Queensland, western New South Wales, and Victoria.
In the early stages, rainfall will be inconsistent and scattered, varying according to where storms arise. However, as the week progresses, the weather system is expected to intensify, forming a more extensive rain band. This development will direct the weather’s impact eastward, targeting central and south-east Queensland, eastern New South Wales, and eastern Tasmania.
Notably, southern Queensland is forecasted to receive significant rainfall, with predictions of up to 100mm from coastal to inland regions, including areas like the Darling Downs.
Southern Queensland could see up to 100mm of rain from the coast through to inland areas, including the Darling Downs.
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In NSW, totals may exceed 100mm across the North West Slopes and Central West, welcome rain for regions that have endured an exceptionally dry autumn.
Along the NSW coast, rainfall totals of 150mm or more are possible later this week, although this will depend on the development and position of a coastal low-pressure system.
Eastern Tasmania could also receive up to 100mm.
The BoM says the weather setup will be fast-moving and unpredictable, with severe thunderstorms likely across inland NSW, the NSW South Coast and south-east Queensland.
Heavy rain is expected to be the main threat, but parts of central and south-east Queensland could also face damaging winds and large hail.
There are currently no official weather warnings in place, but the BoM says warnings are likely to be issued in coming days as the system develops.
Flood risks are also being closely monitored, particularly in north-east NSW and south-east Queensland, where recent wet weather has already left catchments saturated.
Residents across affected areas are being urged to stay updated with the latest forecasts and warnings as conditions evolve throughout the week.
What to expect day-by-day
The wet weather is expected to intensify through the week as a large rain system tracks across southern and eastern Australia.
Tuesday is shaping up as one of the more active days, with heavy rainfall likely to build across inland NSW as showers merge into a broader rain band. Thunderstorms are also expected to intensify, particularly across the NSW North West Slopes and later along the South Coast. Tasmania is also forecast to see increasing showers.
By Wednesday, showers are expected to briefly ease along parts of the NSW coast as the system shifts north into south-east and central Queensland. Heavy rain remains possible across the Darling Downs and north-east NSW, while conditions begin clearing in South Australia.
On Thursday, the rain band is forecast to continue pushing east as a low-pressure system moves off the NSW coast. This could trigger very heavy rainfall along coastal communities.
Heavy coastal rain may continue into Friday before conditions gradually ease from the north heading into the weekend.
Forecasters say the system could bring flash flooding, dangerous driving conditions and travel disruptions, while also delivering much-needed rain to drought-affected farming regions.
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