Swathes of Western Australia are expected to experience heavy rainfall over the coming days as a weather system moves across multiple regions, bringing what meteorologists describe as 'remarkably large rain totals'.
Heavy Rain Forecast for West Coast Cities
Perth, Geraldton, and Bunbury are among the west coast cities likely to see wet conditions on Thursday as rain begins to soak several areas. Sky News Weather Senior Meteorologist Rob Sharpe explained that such significant rain in WA during June is 'reasonably common'.
'We've got this trough and low that's going to run in and drench particularly the central west, the Gascoyne, and up to the Pilbara through the next couple of days. Even the Goldfields are seeing some handy rain,' Sharpe said.
He noted that while the forecast totals are remarkably large, June is actually one of the key months for north-west cloud bands that bring consistent widespread soaking to some regions.
Sharpe explained that a large part of the state could record four-day rainfall totals of 25 to 50 millimetres over the next few days. However, areas like Esperance, Albany, and Narrogin are expected to receive very little from this event.
Flood Watch Issued
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued an initial flood watch for the Greenough River catchment from Thursday in anticipation of the likely downpour. The advisory warns that a rain band will affect west-central Western Australia during Thursday and Friday as a humid airmass interacts with a broad upper-level trough, generating widespread moderate to locally heavy rainfall over the flood watch area.
The BOM has forecast a very high chance of rain and a possible thunderstorm for Geraldton on Thursday. Rain is also expected further south in Bunbury, where a 50 per cent chance of at least 10 millimetres of rain has been forecast.
National Forecast for Thursday
Sydney
A partly cloudy day is forecast for the New South Wales capital on Thursday, along with a high chance of showers and a possible thunderstorm. Sydneysiders can expect a low of 14 degrees and a high of 21 degrees.
Melbourne
Melbourne could see damp weather and partly cloudy conditions, with a slight chance of a shower and light winds. The temperature is expected to range between 10 and 18 degrees.
Brisbane
A cloudy Thursday is expected in Brisbane, where showers are likely. A high of 23 degrees and a low of 16 degrees have been forecast.
Perth
A 50 per cent chance of at least 15 millimetres of rain has been forecast for Perth, making for a damp day. The minimum is expected to be nine degrees and the maximum 17 degrees.
Adelaide
A slight chance of a shower and partly cloudy skies have been forecast for Adelaide. Locals can expect a low of nine degrees and a high of 20 degrees.
Canberra
Thursday is also set to be partly cloudy in the national capital, which could see a shower and light winds. Temperatures could drop to eight degrees and reach a top of 17 degrees.
Hobart
Tasmania's capital should remain dry and mostly sunny on Thursday. Cool conditions will persist, with the mercury reaching a top of just 15 degrees.
Darwin
Darwin locals are in for another bright and sunny day, with light winds taking the edge off the heat. A top of 33 degrees is expected in the Northern Territory capital.
