(Sydney, February 5, 2026) —
Widespread rain and thunderstorms are forecast across Australia in the coming days, with potential for flooding in regions that recently experienced extreme heat.
- Rain and thunderstorms are expected across all Australian states and territories through next week.
- Parts of central and northern Australia could receive over 100 mm of rainfall, with some areas potentially seeing several hundred millimetres.
- Northern Western Australia faces a high chance of a tropical cyclone developing off the Pilbara coast this weekend.
Australia is bracing for widespread wet weather and potential flooding after a period of intense heat, according to forecasts. The shift comes as copious moisture in the middle and upper atmosphere interacts with a broad area of low pressure across the country.
Storms in Every State and Territory
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Rain and thunderstorms are possible in every Australian state and territory between now and Sunday, and are likely to continue throughout next week. This outbreak of storms is expected to bring severe thunderstorms and flooding to multiple states, according to weather forecasts.
One computer model predicts weekly rainfall accumulations exceeding 100 mm in parts of central and northern Australia, with some northern areas potentially receiving several hundred millimetres.
From 50°C to Flooding in Central Australia
The north of South Australia and the south of the Northern Territory are expected to experience several days of heavy rain and storms. Remarkably, temperatures in this region reached around 50°C just days ago. Marree in South Australia registered a maximum temperature of 49.8°C last Thursday and could see 50 to 100 mm of rain by the end of this week, potentially causing flooding and road closures, and even rainfall directly into Lake Eyre and onto Uluru.
Tropical Cyclone Potential in Western Australia
Northern Western Australia is also facing an increased risk of flooding due to a tropical low pressure system that has the potential to become a tropical cyclone. The low, which has already brought heavy rain to parts of the Northern Territory and Western Australia, is expected to move off the Kimberley coast on Friday.
The Bureau of Meteorology currently assesses a high chance of this system developing into a tropical cyclone off the Pilbara coast this weekend. The system is expected to intensify as it tracks westward, roughly parallel to the north coast of Western Australia. Heavy rain is likely in northern WA in the coming days, with the extent depending on the system’s track and strength.
Residents in northern Western Australia are advised to monitor the latest tropical cyclone advisories and weather warnings from this weekend into next week.
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by Weatherzone and added independent analysis and context.
