Overnight rain soaked Perth, with rain gauges overflowing across the metropolitan area. The Bureau of Meteorology's Angus Hines said the system is moving north, and storms are possible. The Perth metro site recorded 7.2mm, while the heaviest fall of 28mm was recorded east of Lancelin. Mr Hines warned that more rain is likely before summer patterns settle in. Sunny weather and temperatures up to 28 degrees are forecast midweek, before a cold front brings showers on Saturday.
Australia is on track to record its wettest El Nino year yet, with widespread showers and thunderstorms forecast over the coming week. Parts of Queensland and northern New South Wales could receive more than 50mm of rain. Sydney has already had more than 100mm this week, and Queensland has seen severe flash flooding. The Bureau of Meteorology says the El Nino has reached a record strength, and warmer-than-average conditions are also expected over the next three months.
Deniliquin weather forecaster Steve Briggs says there is no chance of an El Niño event this year or early next year. He said a weak event may occur between March and May. Briggs also said he still predicts a severe drought for 2028 to 2030, citing his long-range forecasts over the past five years. El Niño typically brings dry and warm conditions to eastern and southern Australia, reducing rainfall and soil moisture and increasing heatwave and bushfire risk. Briggs' claims about the drought and its causes are his own and are not confirmed by the source.
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Southeast Queensland could receive its best rainfall in months, with showers and thunderstorms forecast from Tuesday, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. Brisbane could receive up to 44 millimetres between Tuesday and Saturday, while Roma may see up to 80 millimetres. Meteorologist Liam Smart warned the showers may not be widespread. Temperatures are expected to remain above average for several days before cooling on Wednesday. Two major bushfires in the Lockyer Valley have been burning for over a week, and residents have been urged to stay alert.
