Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane weather: Storm warning issued

Australians have been warned to brace for a wet and stormy weekend and the risk of flash flooding, with no real respite from rainy conditions anytime soon.

Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said a burst of moisture moving through the east of the country will increase the risk of heavy rain.

“Once again cloudy skies, areas of rain and embedded thunderstorms will be widespread, affecting Queensland, NSW, Victoria and south-eastern South Australia,” Ms Bradbury said.

“Severe storms could bring heavy falls and the risk of flash flooding to much of central and southern Queensland, inland NSW and the ACT including Canberra, and northern Victoria including Melbourne’s northern suburbs.”

Brisbane, Sydney, the east coast of NSW, Adelaide and Melbourne could also experience storms over the weekend.

“Rain is likely to change to patchy showers in most areas on Sunday, but there won’t be a real break from the wet weather until sometime next week,” Ms Bradbury said.

A band of cloud will extend across eastern Australia on Friday, bringing humidity, scattered showers and thunderstorms.

Widespread storms are forecast for Queensland, but Brisbane can expect only a few showers.

Sydney can expect severe storms with a risk of flash flooding, while Canberra is likely to experience non-severe thunderstorms.

“The highest totals we see in NSW today will be related to where the thunderstorms are moving, and could be quite variable,” Ms Bradbury said.

In NSW, minor flood warnings have been issued for the Colo River, Macdonald River, Castlereagh River, Macquarie River to Bathurst, Macquarie River downstream Burrendong Dam, Bogan River, Lachlan River to Cotton’s Weir, Mandagery Creek, Tumut River, Upper Murrumbidgee River to Burrinjuck, Dam and Cooma Ck, Queanbeyan and Molonglo rivers.

However, a minor to moderate flood warning has been issued for the Belubula River.

Storms are possible through Victoria on Friday “but should remain isolated and non-severe”, although heavy falls and flash flooding remain a risk in the Kiewa River and Mitta Mitta River.

In Queensland, moderate flood warnings are in effect across the Bulloo River, Moonie River and Warrego River, while minor flood warnings are in effect across the Lower Barcoo River, Paroo River, Upper Balonne River and Weir River.

A minor flood warning has been issued for Tasmania’s North Esk River, while flooding is also possible in the Northern Territory’s Barkly District.

There is a risk of flash flooding in NSW due to the heavy rainfall. Photo: NewsWire / Glen Campbell

Tasmania will experience showers on Friday and a cloudy day for Hobart.

Sydney will reach a high of 26 degrees Celsius on Saturday despite the rain, while Melbourne is expected to reach 23 degrees Celsius on Sunday.

Brisbane is forecast to reach 28 degrees Celsius this weekend, while Perth could reach 30 degrees Celsius on Saturday.

Adelaide could reach 26 degrees Celsius on Sunday, while Hobart could reach a tipped temperature of 22 degrees Celsius on Sunday.

Canberra is expected to reach a high of 27 degrees Celsius on Sunday, while Darwin is expected to reach 32 degrees Celsius.