National Weather: North Storms, West Heats Up

First, the national picture. Across the north of the country, we do have a number of surface troughs and low pressure systems, and together they are driving quite unsettled conditions with rain showers and thunderstorms stretching from the Kimberley through the Top End and into northern Queensland. On Tuesday, we could also see the development of the monsoon trough, represented here by the white line, marking the first monsoon onset of the wet season across northern Australia.

Through Tuesday afternoon, showers and thunderstorms will become more widespread along the east coast. There is also the potential for severe thunderstorms across parts of south-east Queensland, inland Queensland and northern New South Wales. For the latest information, be sure to check the dedicated Severe Weather Update video.

For the rest of the country, conditions remain mostly clear thanks to a high pressure system to the south. This is bringing clear skies to central Australia and Western Australia, with temperatures really heating up along the west coast. In south-east Australia, a cold front will move through Tasmania late Tuesday night, reinforcing showers and cooler conditions, with westerly winds also keeping temperatures down across much of Victoria and parts of South Australia.

In Queensland, showers and thunderstorms are expected across most districts, except for the far south-west. In the north-west and around the Gulf Country, areas of rain and heavy rainfall are possible, which could lead to river rises, though these are expected to remain below minor flood levels at this stage. With more rainfall forecast, particularly as the monsoon trough develops, travellers in western areas should stay up to date with the latest warnings.

During the afternoon, showers and storms will become more widespread, with the risk of heavy rainfall across central and south-east parts of the state, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Cloud cover in the west will keep temperatures slightly cooler than average, while conditions remain hot, humid and muggy across the east coast ahead of afternoon and evening storms. Brisbane may see an afternoon shower or storm with possible heavy falls and a top of 33°C, while Cairns will see showers and a similar maximum of 33°C.

In New South Wales and the ACT, showers and storms are expected across the north-east of the state, mainly north of Newcastle and east of Narrabri. During the afternoon, severe thunderstorms may develop, bringing heavy rain to the Northern Rivers and areas near the Queensland border. A few showers are also possible along the south coast, though these should ease before reaching Sydney. West of the divide, conditions will be dry and sunny, with warm temperatures continuing across much of the state. Sydney can expect a warm day with a possible shower or two and a top of 30°C, while Canberra will be sunny with a maximum of 28°C.

In Victoria, a cold front moving through the south will bring a few morning showers that gradually ease and contract towards Gippsland during the day. Later in the evening, as a second cold front moves through Tasmania, isolated showers may redevelop along the south and south-west coast. Cooler west to south-westerly winds will keep temperatures up to 5°C below average. Northern areas will remain dry, sunny and a little milder. Melbourne will reach around 20°C with a possible morning shower, while Mildura will be partly cloudy and dry with a top of 27°C.

Tasmania will see widespread showers during the morning, gradually clearing from eastern districts but continuing across southern and western areas. Later in the evening, a second cold front will reinforce showers and cooler conditions, particularly along the west coast. Snow is possible above 900 metres in the morning, with the snow level rising through the day. Hobart can expect a possible morning shower, clearer conditions during the day, and another chance of showers at night with a top of 18°C. Launceston will be dry with a maximum of 19°C.

In South Australia, cloud will linger along the south coast with very isolated showers gradually clearing during the day. Cooler conditions will persist in the south-east, while the north will be milder, and far northern areas remain very warm. Adelaide will start the day partly cloudy with a slight chance of a shower, before afternoon sunshine and a top of 24°C.

Across Western Australia, cloud will sit along the south coast with a slight chance of a shower east of Esperance towards the South Australian border. Elsewhere, conditions will be hot and sunny, with temperatures continuing to climb. Elevated fire danger is expected across much of the south-west once again. Perth will be sunny with a top of 36°C, while temperatures will rise into the low 40s across the northern Wheatbelt and into the Gascoyne. Very isolated thunderstorms are also possible inland through the Gascoyne and north-western Pilbara.

Finally, across northern Australia, a tropical low is driving heavy rainfall along the Gulf Coast, with the possibility of heavy falls and river rises. Showers and storms will extend across the Kimberley and Top End, while the interior remains mostly dry and warm. Alice Springs will be sunny with a top of 35°C, and Darwin can expect showers and storms with a maximum of 30°C.

That's your forecast for today. Stay up to date with the latest information on our website and app, follow us on social media, and as always, have a great day.