Sydney and northern Australia are bracing for a week of heavy rain and stormy weather due to a combination of wet weather systems.
In Sydney, a southeasterly flow of the water has brought moisture, resulting in increased cloud cover and showers. Senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury from the Bureau of Meteorology noted that showers intensified early on Monday, though they were patchy.
Kurrajong Heights in the Blue Mountains received 151mm of rain in 24 hours up to 9 am, while Observatory Hill saw 62mm. The region experienced brisk winds on Sunday evening as well.
The weather conditions have prompted warnings from Surf Lifesaving Australia. On Sunday, athletes from a surf competition at Maroubra Beach rescued 25 swimmers caught in a rip current.
Northern Australia faces severe weather, with potential flooding and damaging winds forecasted.Wayne Druery highlighted the crucial role played by both lifesavers and the elite ironmen and ironwomen in the rescue effort.
Looking ahead, Sydney is expected to remain showery, with heavier rainfall forecasted for Tuesday.
A new weather system is anticipated to bring storm risks by Wednesday, with the weather easing by Friday and only light showers expected over the weekend.
In northern Australia, a tropical low near Darwin and monsoonal rains in far north Queensland are set to bring significant rainfall.
Some areas south of Darwin might see up to 500mm of rain from Sunday to Wednesday, while other regions could receive 200 to 300mm. A severe weather warning is in effect for the Top End, including Darwin and the Tiwi Islands, with potentially damaging winds and monsoon squalls.
Angus Hines, a senior meteorologist, warned of winds exceeding 90km/h. The region is also on flood watch due to potentially heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, with river catchments likely to respond with flooding.