Prepare for Wet Weather: Rainy Days Loom as El Niño Threatens to Impact Climate Patterns

After enduring its second-driest April on record, eastern New South Wales is finally seeing a significant amount of rainfall.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has indicated that a low-pressure trough is responsible for the wet conditions currently affecting the eastern region, with the forecast suggesting more rain in the days ahead.

This shift in weather comes after the nation recorded its lowest April rainfall since 2018.

The BoM attributes this dry spell to prolonged high-pressure systems that have consistently prevented rainfall from reaching the east coast and Tasmania.

However, the BoM cautions that this week’s rain should not be seen as an indication of future weather patterns, as most of the country is expected to face a warm and dry winter.

What’s in store for parts of the east?

NSW can expect rain across much of the state, and especially in the north-east over the next 24 hours, with the trough bringing a risk of storms and minor flooding to the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers.

A minor flood warning has been issued for catchments in the region, with river levels expected to rise on Monday evening.

The BoM has warned residents to stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.

Further south, the trough means that Sydney can expect showers tomorrow and a high of 22C.

Melbourne can expect a foggy, cool Tuesday with a high of 17C and developing showers.

Southern parts of Queensland, including Toowoomba and Brisbane, will have a wet Tuesday before it clears later in the evening.

In Adelaide, showers are easing and the BoM forecasts a top temperate of 19C on Tuesday, while over in the west, Perth is forecast to be sunny and 25C.

Low rain and high temperatures ahead

Last week, the BoM issued its long-range forecast for June to August.

It predicts below-average rain for much of Australia, including south-east Queensland, coastal NSW and South Australia, and eastern Tasmania. Only western Tasmania could see above-average rainfall.

At the same time, there’s a higher chance of warmer weather, with a 70 per cent chance of unusually high maximum temperatures across most of the country.

The forecast follows speculation of a “Super El Niño” later in the year, which could bring hotter and drier conditions to Australia.

The BoM says there are early signs of a developing El Niño, which could begin at the end of winter.

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