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 major rain system is building across eastern Australia this week, with some areas set to receive their heaviest rainfall in months, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM).
The BoM says rain and thunderstorms are expected to spread across much of the country’s south-east and east, starting in parts of South Australia, western Queensland, western NSW and Victoria.
Early rainfall is expected to be scattered and uneven, depending on where storms develop.
By the middle of the week, the system is forecast to strengthen into a broader rain band, shifting the focus eastward into central and south-east Queensland, eastern NSW and eastern Tasmania.
Southern Queensland could see up to 100mm of rain from the coast through to inland areas, including the Darling Downs.
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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