Australia to be plagued by ‘persistent’ rain

“Several million” lightning strikes are expected in a stormy week ahead, as rain falls over every state and territory.

Aussies should brace for a stormy week ahead, with millions of lightning strikes expected as rain falls over every state and territory.

Widespread rain is forecast across Australia, ranging from showers to thunderstorms with some risk of flash flooding.

“Several million lightning strikes” are expected, according to Weatherzone.

“This is off the back of a stormy weekend that produced more than one million lightning strikes above Australia on Saturday and Sunday,” Weatherzone said.

Widespread rain is forecast across Australia this week. Picture: Weatherzone

Easterly winds will make for “humid, unsettled weather”, according to Sky meteorologist Alison Osborne.

The forecast shows “persistent showers and storms, first through inland areas and then over quite a broad region through Victoria, NSW and Queensland,” Ms Osborne said.

“Storms by their nature are stop-start, hit-or-miss. That doesn’t mean everyone will see rain but certainly grey skies and thunder abound.”

Some areas are expected to see a risk of isolated heavy falls and flash flooding on Thursday, she added.

“This means if you’re in Victoria, NSW or Queensland and you hear the rumble of thunder, check your local storm warnings. That (applies) every day for the coming week.” Ms Osborne said.

Daily maximum temperatures on Friday, November 10. Picture: BOM

The rain is good news for some parts of the country, in particular fire-affected areas.

Rainfall accumulations of upwards of 100 millimetres are expected in coastal NSW north of Newcastle, and upwards of 50 millimetres across Gippsland and central NSW.

Fire-affected areas of Queensland may receive between 25 and 30 millimetres, as well.

The rain is also expected to kickstart a belated wet season in Darwin and the Top End, Ms Osborne said.

“Pulse thunderstorms (are) expected each and every afternoon,” in the area, she said.

“We’re keeping a close eye on that rain which could yield upwards of 50 to 80 millimetres over the next week alone, including over Darwin. It has been a very late start to the wet season.”

While the rain is forecast to push down temperatures in the southeast, the rest of the country is expected to stay warm.

Daily temperatures are forecast to soar through the northern interior of WA, before building through SA, as well.

Originally published as Australia to be plagued by ‘persistent’ rain