Rain band to lash ‘80 per cent’ of the country over next couple of days

Much of the country is set to be hit by a heavy rain band, with some areas expected to be cut off by up to 150mm of rain in a single day.

Millions are set to be lashed by wet weather as a rain band sweeps across the country, with warnings for travellers.

Sky News Weather presenter Lucy Polkinghorne said 80 per cent of the country would likely be hit by wet conditions this week.

“This rainband will continue moving eastwards into the week, increasing cloud cover over the eastern half of the country by Tuesday then bringing much cooler and showery conditions,” Ms Polkinghorne said.

“In fact, 80 per cent of the country will likely see some wet weather from this event.”

A rain band is forecast to sweep through the country’s east. Picture: Windy.com.

About 80 per cent of the country is set to experience wet weather. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

The weather is set to move through the country’s east on Tuesday after Western Australia and the Northern Territory were issued flood watches on Sunday.

A flood warning remains current for the Sturt Creek District, Sandy, Tanami and Western Desert catchments as of Monday morning, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning rainfall totals of 80-120mm are expected in the Tanami and surrounding regions on Monday followed by 25-40mm on Tuesday.

However, isolated rains could bring up to 150mm of rain on Monday.

“A broad trough of low pressure is deepening and will remain over the southern Kimberley and Northern Interior of Western Australia for the next few days,” the Bureau of Meteorology Warning states.

“This will cause showers and thunderstorms to increase over the western half of the NT from Sunday and spread eastwards across southern and central NT early next week.”

The wet weather is forecast to move through the east on Tuesday. Picture: NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

BOM meteorologist Dean Narramore said heavy rains and thunderstorms across the Northern Territory and into eastern Western Australia could cause problems for locals and travellers later in the week.

“Forecast rainfall could lead to flash and riverine flooding in these areas,” Mr Narramore said.

“But of more concern are our dirt roads and travellers in this area as rainfall will likely lead to muddy and impassible roads and travel restrictions and possible brief isolation of any residents in this area.”

He urged locals and travellers to stay across the forecasts.

Sydney is set to reach a top of 30C on Wednesday with showers predicted between Wednesday and Sunday.

Victoria is tipped for a cloudy start to the week with the chance of showers, with a maximum temperature of 24C expected on Saturday.

Brisbane is set to reach a top of 29C on Thursday as showers are expected to move through coming into the weekend, while Perth is set to reach a high of 27C on Thursday with showers possible.

Adelaide is forecast to reach a high of 25C on Saturday as possible showers move in throughout the week.

Hobart could reach temperatures as high as 21C moving into the weekend, however possible showers are forecast through the week while damaging winds are possible on Monday.

Canberra is expected to reach a high of 24C on Tuesday before rain is set to hit on Wednesday, continuing through the week.

Darwin is forecast to reach highs of 33C and 34C all week, although possible showers are also expected.

Originally published as Rain band to lash ‘80 per cent’ of the country over next couple of days