Rain, Storms Hit North, SE Aus Stays Dry, Sunny

We see those showers through south-eastern parts moving up into the Wide Bay and Burnett and maybe even the Capricornia as well, and extending inland later in the day. Elsewhere though, remaining dry and sunny through our inland areas, particularly our flood affected areas of central Queensland, while rain and storms continue across much of northern Queensland with heavy falls possible there. Temperatures in the low to mid 30s for inland areas, getting to the high 30s through south-western parts of Queensland. Temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s through much of eastern Queensland and for south-eastern Queensland, maybe a few of those morning showers moving through, clearing up later in the day. Brisbane looking at 28°C and morning showers clearing.

Moving down into New South Wales, you can see those showers across north-eastern parts of New South Wales also be on the easing trend. There will still be a fair bit of cloud across much of eastern and coastal New South Wales to start off your weekend, but conditions remain mild with temperatures in the mid to high 20s. On and west of the ranges it is going to be much sunnier, with temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s, even getting up into the mid 30s through northern parts of New South Wales, and many areas seeing dry conditions with lots of sunshine. Sydney will be cloudy with 25°C thanks to that cooler onshore flow, while Canberra is looking at a very sunny 26°C, making it a nice day to get out and about.

Moving down into Victoria, there is a lovely day on the way if you're not looking for rainfall. Temperatures will generally be in the low 20s through southern Victoria, climbing into the high 20s to low 30s across much of northern Victoria. As you can see, statewide temperatures will sit in the high 20s to low 30s with sunshine all over the place. It will be a beautiful day to get out and about and enjoy the weather. Melbourne is looking at 25°C with lots of sunshine, although remember to slip, slop, slap if you are spending time outdoors.

Down into Tasmania it will be a partly cloudy day, also on the mild to warm side with temperatures in the low to even mid 20s through northern and eastern parts of the state. It will be a little bit cooler though along the west coast where south-westerly winds will bring more cloud and keep temperatures struggling to reach 20°C. Hobart is looking at a lovely day with a few clouds from time to time and a top of 22°C, so also a nice day to get out and about.

South Australia will continue to be influenced by the high pressure ridge. As a result, temperatures in southern parts of the state will reach the mid to high 20s to near 30°C, while northern areas warm further into the mid to high 30s. Sunshine will be the order of the day right across the state with clear conditions almost everywhere. There is a slight chance of a late shower or thunderstorm across far northern parts of South Australia on Saturday, although that activity is more likely to become a focus on Sunday and Monday. Adelaide is looking at 29°C with lots of sunshine, making it another beautiful day to get out and about.

Across Western Australia, the upper low is continuing to bring showers and cloudy conditions through much of eastern and southern parts of the state. Temperatures in those southern areas will sit in the low to mid 20s. However, further west towards the west coast we will see drier and warmer conditions with temperatures in the mid to high 20s to low 30s. Perth is forecast to reach 29°C with partly cloudy skies. Much hotter conditions are expected further north where temperatures will warm into the mid to high 30s and even approach 40°C across northern parts of the state, including around the Pilbara region.

Moving up into the Northern Territory, this will be a major focus for the weekend with widespread rain and thunderstorms across southern, central and northern parts of the NT thanks to a trough and low pressure system in the region. That rain and storms will also extend across Cape York, much of the Gulf, right across the Top End and into the Kimberley as well. Thunderstorms with heavy falls are likely with this widespread rain and thunderstorm activity, and severe thunderstorms are also possible. Flood Watches extend from Darwin all the way down to Uluru in anticipation of the forecast rainfall likely to lead to flash and riverine flooding, which could result in significant travel and transport issues. Temperatures will reach the low to mid 30s across southern parts of the NT before showers, rain and storms move in, while central and northern parts experience widespread rainfall and thunderstorm activity. Darwin is looking at 30°C with showers and thunderstorms.

Now for a quick look at Sunday across the country. South-eastern Australia is expected to see a lovely day with high pressure dominating conditions. Hobart will see 22°C and partly cloudy skies, Melbourne 26°C and partly cloudy, Canberra 29°C and sunny, and Sydney 28°C and sunny. Brisbane is also looking reasonable with a possible shower and 27°C due to that onshore flow. Meanwhile, widespread rain and storms will continue across northern areas and push south into central parts of the country and northern parts of South Australia. Adelaide is looking at 31°C and partly cloudy conditions, while Perth will see a sunny 32°C, perhaps a good day to head out to the beach. Rain and storms are expected in Alice Springs and Broome and continuing in Darwin with 31°C.

So with lovely weather in the south-east but rain and storms across much of northern and central parts of the country, make sure you get the latest weekend forecast for your area via our website and app, and listen to all advice from emergency services for those flood affected regions. We'll continue to give you updates over the weekend, and we'll see you again next week.