In Queensland, most areas north of Mackay are at risk of a shower or thunderstorm, which is typical wet season activity. The rainfall has eased slightly compared to recent days, but any rain that does fall, particularly in north-west Queensland, will impact swollen rivers, continuing to cause flooding across many rivers in central and northern Queensland over the weekend. A couple of showers are expected across the east coast, but it should remain generally light. However, a storm is possible in the far south-east, from western Brisbane, up into the Lockyer Valley and Darling Downs. Areas west of Toowoomba will remain mostly bright.
In New South Wales, persistent showers are forecast along most of the coast, from about Newcastle southwards, including Sydney and Wollongong. Expect onshore winds, breezy conditions, and cloudy, cool weather-certainly not ideal for outdoor activities. There could even be a couple of rumbles of thunder in some areas. For the northern coast of New South Wales, north of the Hunter region, expect a brighter and sunnier morning, followed by a risk of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. The hills may see some showers as well, potentially affecting Canberra with mild maximum temperatures and bright skies to the west.
In Victoria, there is an overall easing trend in rainfall, but some patchy showers will continue in the Gippsland regions on Saturday, and possibly along the Surf Coast. However, there is no risk of heavier falls like we've seen earlier in the week. A couple of showers are possible through the central ranges. Melbourne will have a dry day with a high of 27°C, but winds will be fairly blustery, and other northern and western parts of the state may see strong winds as well.
In Tasmania, easterly winds will bring some cloud cover and a few showers to the north-eastern coastline, particularly north of Maria Island. Hobart should remain dry but will experience a fair amount of cloud. Meanwhile, conditions across the north and west coast will be warmer and sunnier.
South Australia is expected to see bright, sunny weather on Saturday with mild, seasonal temperatures. Some areas may feel cooler than usual for the time of year. Watch out for gusty winds, particularly on and near the mountain ranges like the Mount Lofty and Flinders Ranges, with winds potentially reaching Adelaide as well.
Western Australia will experience mostly fine weather, although some onshore winds will keep temperatures cooler than usual in Perth, with a high of 25°C. A few light showers are possible from Margaret River around to Albany, and there could be some inland thunderstorms, possibly near Kalgoorlie-Boulder, but the risk remains low. It will continue to be very hot in the north, with Newman expecting temperatures to reach 44°C.
In the Northern Territory, a tropical low pressure system is expected to develop over the Top End tomorrow morning, enhancing rain and thunderstorms across much of the region, including around Darwin. Heavy falls are possible, with up to 100mm expected in the city, and some areas in the Top End may see more. South of Daly Waters, conditions should remain dry and warm, though showers and storms will affect the Kimberley, possibly not reaching the Broome coast.
Looking ahead to Sunday, showers, rain, and storms are likely across most of the east coast and the tropical north. Sydney will have another gloomy, wet day, while Brisbane may see a few showers, but also some brighter spells. Canberra could have some breaks of sunshine, while the north could see more showers and storms. Darwin may receive more heavy rain, while elsewhere, bright and sunny weather is forecast. Melbourne will reach 28°C with plenty of sunshine, Adelaide will warm to 35°C, and Perth will see temperatures climb, with a maximum of 28°C. By mid-week, temperatures in Perth could rise into the 40s.
For more detailed weather updates throughout the weekend or the outlook for next week, visit the Bureau's website or use the BOM weather app. Thanks for watching.
Video Current: 2:00 pm AEDT Friday 16/01/25.
