Finally, some more rain for Perth and WA south-west

After its driest year on record in 2010 and below average rainfall so far this year, much of WA’s southwest is in desperate need of rainfall. But I have some good news! Next week a couple of strong cold fronts will bring a wet change to the southwest, but this may be accompanied severe weather.

On Monday, it’s a very “winter-type” set-up with a strong cold front bringing rainfall, windy conditions (potentially damaging winds with gusts over 90kmh) and severe thunderstorms. Showers will continue on Tuesday with onshore winds before another cold front brings more rainfall on Wednesday.

Between the two systems, widespread falls of 25-50mm are possible for the Perth area with 50mm plus for towns south of Perth such as Bunbury and Busselton. Rain totals will drop rapidly heading inland with 1-20mm possible in the Wheatbelt, favouring the western side.

Ahead of this wet and windy weather, try and tie down any loose items and be prepared for a wet and slippery commute to work on Monday.

Extreme cold chills the southeast

Many cities and towns in south-eastern Australia shivered through their coldest morning so far this year. Sub-zero temperatures brought frost to places including Glenn Innes and Young with -5, Camden with -1 and Tamworth with -2! Even Richmond (NSW)and Charlesville (QLD) woke up to their first frost for the year.

Day-time temperatures are also well below average across much of southern and eastern Australia. Check out the following forecast maximum temperatures today!

- Toowoomba, QLD: 16 degrees (4 below average)
- Mt Isa, QLD: 22 degrees (6 below average)

- Orange, NSW: 6 degrees (8 below average)
- Young, NSW: 10 degrees (8 below average)

- Ballarat, VIC: 7 degrees (7 below average)
- Melbourne, VIC: 13 degrees (4 below average)

- Hobart, TAS: 11 degrees (3 below average)
- Launceston, TAS: 12 degrees (4 below average)

- Renmark, SA: 16 degrees (4 below average)
- Adelaide, SA: 16 degrees (3 below average)

And if this isn't bad enough, icy south-westerly winds will make it "feel" a few degrees colder!

Snow has also been coating the NSW and VIC slopes and ranges. Most alpine areas have had around 10cm of snow but I've also had reports of 15-20cm at Mt Buller this morning (See pic by Tony Harrington above).

The cold snap is here to stay for the rest of the week and for some places, tonight may be even colder than last night so rug up!