An unusually dry autumn in parts of Australia is set to end as a week of rain is forecast to move across the country. WeatherZone predicts that 70% to 80% of Australia will experience rain this week, with some areas seeing precipitation daily.
This dry spell has been caused by blocking highs over southern Australia, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM). These high-pressure systems have been preventing the usual west-to-east flow of weather systems. As winter approaches and these highs weaken, rain is expected to become more frequent.
The rain, originating from southwest Western Australia, is projected to spread to southern Australia by Thursday and move east by Friday, continuing through the weekend. A stronger cold front may bring additional rain to WA on Sunday, though it’s unclear if this will extend further.
Perth could see up to 50mm of rain, doubling its recent total.BoM forecasts indicate that north-eastern Victoria might experience the heaviest rainfall, with up to 60mm possible in higher altitudes, and 5mm to 15mm in Gippsland, western Victoria, and New South Wales.
Elevated areas in NSW and some parts of central Australia could see even higher totals. Snow is also possible in the Alps of Victoria and NSW on Saturday.
South Australia is expected to receive lighter rain (2-10mm) overall, with heavier showers (10-20mm) in central and western agricultural regions and the north-east pastoral district.
This rainfall marks a significant change for WA and SA, which were on track for their driest May on record. Perth, for example, has had just 31.6mm of rain this autumn, well below its average.
It could see up to 50mm of rain this week, potentially doubling its total for the past seven months. The rain is expected to clear early next week.