Storms Hit North, South Stays Dry

Let's take a look at the weather forecast around the country for Thursday the 5th of February.

We're seeing widespread wet and stormy conditions across our northern latitudes, particularly around this tropical low moving through the Kimberley. In general, for the southern half of Australia on Thursday, there'll be a continuation of the very dry weather that's impacted large areas so far this year. For many spots, temperatures will be a little milder than earlier in the week, but it's still going to be rather warm in New South Wales in particular.

Let's fly around the states, starting in Queensland.

A pleasant day is on the way for the south-east, with fewer clouds than Wednesday and temperatures near 30 degrees. Most other parts of the state could see showers or storms on Thursday. Along the east coast, anywhere north of Rockhampton may experience wet and possibly stormy conditions. There's also a risk of storms across central and western districts, stretching from the far south-west right up to the northern coastlines.

A very different story in New South Wales.

It's a warm and mostly sunny day, with most urban centres reaching the 30s and many places climbing into the mid to upper 30s. Canberra is forecast to reach 36 degrees, with widespread temperatures of 38 degrees or higher across western areas. Most of the day will be sunny, but during the afternoon some cloud will build, bringing a low risk of a shower or thunderstorm south of Sydney and across western districts. Rain is unlikely for most locations.

Turning to Victoria, it's a fairly settled day.

Some morning cloud south of the ranges will clear quickly, leading to sunny conditions statewide for the second half of the day. Temperatures will vary significantly, with low 20s in the south and high 30s in parts of the north. Gusty conditions will persist across eastern Victoria, increasing fire danger to extreme levels in parts of the north-east, including around Wangaratta and Albury-Wodonga.

Over in Tasmania, a fresh and gusty westerly wind will dominate.

It's a pattern that feels more like spring than late summer, bringing a few showers on and west of the ranges. Eastern areas, including Hobart, are unlikely to see rainfall, but expect cool, gusty winds and some passing cloud.

In South Australia, there'll be a little morning cloud along the south coast, clearing to a mostly sunny day.

Temperatures will be slightly milder across southern areas, including the peninsulas, after several warmer days. Most regions will remain dry and sunny, though far northern areas may see a few showers or thunderstorms. This kind of activity is expected to become more common in the coming week, with significant rainfall possible across outback parts of the state over the next 7 to 10 days.

In Western Australia, gusty easterly winds continue.

These dry winds will blow under sunny skies, pushing temperatures higher and creating blustery conditions at times along the west coast. Perth is heading for 34 degrees. Conditions will be cooler and cloudier along the south coast, while sunny weather dominates elsewhere.

Finally, across Australia's northern tropics, extensive cloud, moisture, showers and thunderstorms are expected.

This wet and stormy pattern isn't confined to the far north, with conditions extending deep into central Australia. Widespread rainfall totals of 20 to 50 millimetres are likely across the Northern Territory, with potentially higher falls over the Kimberley. Some locations there could see 80 to 100 millimetres, with rain and storms possible at any time of day.

If you'd like to check Friday's forecast or the early outlook for the weekend, find your location on the Bureau's website or app.

Thanks very much for watching.