Perth Welcomes Unseasonable Showers Amid Dry May: 6mm Rainfall Expected

Perth residents woke to much-needed showers on Thursday morning amid an unusually dry May. The metropolitan area will face cloudy skies and drizzle throughout today and Friday as a cold front moves across the region.

Rainfall Details

The 'unusual' weather system is expected to drop up to 6mm of rainfall over the city, with coastal suburbs set to receive the biggest drenching. Garden Island off the coast of Rockingham has recorded the most rain overnight, with a weather station at the naval site reporting 2.6mm before 9am.

The all-day drizzle is a welcome sight for many West Australians, following an incredibly dry May described as 'categorically unusual' for the region.

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Bureau of Meteorology Insights

Senior Bureau meteorologist Jessica Lingard told PerthNow the Perth region has only received one day of rainfall this month. 'Perth has only received two or 3mm of rainfall so far, which is definitely not normal considering the average for May is 85mm,' she said. 'Typically, the end of the month tends to be wetter as it gets closer to winter so there may be more coming, but the city will be far from its usual average.'

While the chilly weather is a welcome surprise during the dry month, the Bureau noted that this cold front is particularly notable due to its prolonged nature. Typically, cold fronts bring short bursts of heavy rainfall, but Thursday's front will result in a slower drizzle persisting through most of the day.

Forecast for Coming Days

The weather system will dissipate late on Thursday night, but a small second front means showers will continue over Perth. Bureau officials predict up to 4mm of rainfall on Friday, mainly in the morning.

'The weakened front will keep showers going through Friday morning,' Ms Lingard confirmed. Saturday will be cloudy after the showers, but sun will reemerge on Sunday — two days earlier than initially predicted. Temperatures will climb back to 25C by Tuesday, bringing warmth before winter begins in a fortnight.