A substantial rain event is set to drench Queensland and northeastern New South Wales over the coming days, while southeastern states continue experiencing dramatic temperature swings.
Three-Day Rain Event Approaches
The main rainfall will occur across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before the system shifts northward early next week. A slow-moving trough of low pressure is tracking across eastern states, drawing tropical moisture from both the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
This weather system will combine north of approximately Sydney to generate widespread wet conditions. The organised nature of this system means rainfall should follow a relatively structured pattern, with a well-defined band gradually progressing eastwards.
Severe Storm Threats Loom
Despite the organised rainfall, the system brings significant thunderstorm risks during peak spring storm season. Meteorologists warn that afternoon and early evening storms could produce dangerous conditions.
The combination of abundant moisture and atmospheric instability creates multiple severe weather scenarios. Heavy rainfall from these storms could lead to flash flooding, while moisture-depleted systems might generate damaging wind gusts.
Greater instability and changing wind directions elevate the risk of large to giant hail and even tornado formation. However, these severe impacts remain highly localised, affecting only areas directly beneath storm cells.
Weather Patterns Across Australia
The trough is expected to dissipate by Monday, bringing a reprieve with sunny conditions and light winds from Monday through Wednesday.
Meanwhile, southern regions continue their temperature rollercoaster. Cold outbreaks are regularly crossing Tasmania, occasionally reaching the southeastern mainland. This pattern brings low-level snow to far southern areas and chilly Antarctic winds elsewhere, followed by late-season frost.
The southwest has experienced relatively quiet conditions for several weeks, but this may change next week. The region could see showers, rain, and storms spreading from the interior, bringing both heat and wet weather as another trough develops early in the new week.
