Huge rain band set to drench millions of Australians this week
Up to three-quarters of Australia's population will be drenched by a 4,000km rain band this week as a low-pressure system hurtles towards the east coast. The tropical low and associated cold front is due to cross the southeast on Tuesday, after sending temperatures plunging in South Australia on Monday.
Forecasters say millions from Tasmania all the way up to the Cape York Peninsula will be soaked by the enormous rain band this week. The low is expected to deliver a 'decent amount of rain' to every state and territory in Australia between now and the weekend , according to Weatherzone.
Forecasters say large parts of New South Wales and Queensland will be drenched, with powerful winds to impact SA, Victoria and Tasmania . Predictions of widespread falls between 10mm and 40mm in central Queensland and NSW are forecast between Friday and Monday.
Central Queensland could record up to 100mm of rain, with Brisbane and Townsville, in the state's far north, also receiving a rare soaking. The Victorian SES has advised people to make adequate preparations ahead of the powerful winds and take precautions while driving.
Damaging wind gusts are expected to average from 65 to 90km/hour, with peak gusts of 125km/hour in elevated areas such as Falls Creek and Mount Hotham. Blizzards have also been tipped in the state's alpine regions.
A second low pressure system is expected to bring widespread rain across the eastern half of Australia between Friday and Sunday. The rain will be 'heavier and more widespread' than the current system due to the influence of a large northwest cloud band, Weatherzone said.
Perth shivered through a 3.2C morning on Tuesday, five degrees below its July average. Other regions saw temperatures fall to record lows, including a maximum temperature of 13.9C at Red Rocks Point, its lowest in six years. Another cold burst will follow in WA's capital on Wednesday going into Thursday.
