Weather News

Heaviest rain to miss eastern capitals

Ben Domensino, Thursday May 18, 2017 - 12:29 AEST

Australia's eastern capital cities will miss out on the heaviest falls as a widespread rain event soaks parts of five states and territories during the next three days.

Some areas in northern and central Queensland, western New South Wales, northern Victoria and northern Tasmania will see more than month's worth of rain between now and Saturday.

Some locations could amass hundreds of millimetres during this period and may experience flash and riverine flooding as a result.

However, the five capital cities to be affected by this system will not be anywhere near as wet as these parts of the country.

Brisbane will see showers from tonight through to Saturday. The heaviest and most persistent rain should fall between Friday and Saturday morning, before easing. The city could see around 30-40mm in total, which is about two week's worth of rain at this time of year. Heavier falls are likely closer to the coast.

Sydney will be dry today, before wet weather sets in from Friday. Most of the rain is expected to fall during the 36 hours starting at lunchtime on Friday, with drier weather returning later on weekend. The city should pick up 20-40mm in total, which is about one third of the monthly average for May.

Canberra's rain will occur between Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. Despite the brevity of this wet weather, the city may see 30-40mm and has a chance to be the wettest capital during this rain event.

Rain will affect Melbourne from Friday afternoon and a few showers may linger on Saturday morning, although most of the weekend will be dry. The city may pick up about 10mm in total, which is well below the long-term monthly average of 56mm for May.

Hobart will become wet from Saturday afternoon, but dry weather will return on Sunday morning. The city is expected to receive 10-20mm, which is about one to two week's worth of rain at this time of year.

Be sure to check the latest forecasts closer to the weekend if you have weather-dependent plans as the timing and amount of predicted rainfall may change slightly.

- Weatherzone

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