Monsoon rain sparks Christmas flood alerts across Northern Territory and Queensland
Monsoon rain will hit parts of the Northern Territory and Queensland over Christmas, prompting flood warnings.
Monsoon rain arrived earlier this year as the NT’s Top End faced more than 100mm of rain in the 24 hours to Tuesday, with more to come over the Christmas period.
Rain is expected to become heavier and more widespread across the NT and Queensland for the remainder of this week, and is likely to continue into early January.
Flood watches have been issued for the Northern Territory and parts of Queensland, and flood warnings are expected to follow as rain begins to fill rivers.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued flood watch warnings for parts of the Barkly, Carpentaria and Arnhem Coastal Rivers in the NT and north-west Queensland.
Rain may also close rural roads in the next one to two weeks; Flooding will move towards the east of QLD towards New Year’s Eve.
Melbourne’s coldest Christmas in 19 years
Those hoping for a Christmas Day swim in Melbourne can ditch their gear as the city prepares for its coldest Christmas Day since 2006.
Melbourne is expecting a temperature range of 12 to 18 degrees and a possible shower or two.
Those fleeing the city to the state’s interior can expect slightly warmer weather on the big day, but rest assured that the bureau is predicting the entire state will warm up by the end of the week.
Severe heatwave warnings were issued in Western Australia between 23 and 25 December.
Cities including Perth should prepare for highs in the 30s and low 40s in the coming days and are advised to check warnings and heatwave safety guidance.
More heavy rain after Christmas in QLD
Those hoping for a break from the wet weather will be disappointed to hear the forecast is calling for more rain for parts of Queensland.
The areas most likely to experience heavy rain and flooding between Christmas and New Year are central and northern Queensland, extending from the Central Coast to the Gulf of Carpentaria and across the border into the NT.
The Bureau will continue to monitor the formation of storm systems throughout the Christmas period and asks residents of affected areas to remain alert for any further updates or warnings.
