Monsoon Low Threatens to Dump Year's Rain in One Week Across Australia
A lingering monsoon low could deliver a year's worth of rain in just one week to parts of inland South Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. This comes just weeks after record-breaking heatwaves, with a high risk of flash flooding across multiple regions.
Severe Weather Warnings Issued for Multiple Regions
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe weather warnings for several regions on Tuesday, including north-western New South Wales, central and northern parts of Victoria, north-eastern South Australia, and south-western Queensland. Heavy, locally intense rainfall is predicted across these areas.
Places in north-eastern South Australia and north-western New South Wales were expected to receive between 200-300mm of rain over coming days, according to the bureau. Widespread falls of 100-200mm are anticipated across inland areas.
Record Rainfall Expected in Dry Regions
Dean Narramore, a senior meteorologist with the bureau, described these as "some big numbers in a very dry part of the country." Outback towns like Marree, about 600km north of Adelaide, could receive more than its average annual rainfall of 142mm.
The heavy falls come off the back of a very dry year, with just 37mm recorded throughout 2025 in Marree. This follows weeks where residents sweltered through five consecutive days of at least 48C temperatures.
Transport Disruptions and Road Closures
The Indian Pacific tourist train operating between Perth and Sydney has been turned around and sent back to Perth after heavy rain and flooding washed away sections of track up to 100m. An alert on the operator's website warned of potential service impacts in the coming week.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation said its crews were inspecting the East West rail line near Broken Hill and Port Augusta to determine the extent of the damage, although repairs could take more than a week. Several outback roads, including the Birdsville Track, were closed on Monday.
Further Thunderstorms Threaten Melbourne
Further thunderstorms with the potential for heavy rain and flash flooding had the potential to occur through central Victoria, including Melbourne, on Tuesday. Communities like Tibooburra and areas north of Broken Hill in New South Wales and Birdsville in Queensland could also see significant falls.
Rainfall Benefits and Environmental Impacts
Heavy rain and flooding was expected to cause more disruptions in coming days, Narramore said, and could even isolate some communities. However, the rainfall is also filling up aquifers, rainwater tanks, and dams across the region.
There was also heavy rain falling directly over Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, which would also receive much of the water flowing from surrounding areas. The lake could be pretty full by next week, according to meteorologists.
Record Rainfall in Hunter Region
Elsewhere, Scone in the New South Wales Hunter region recorded 102.6mm at the airport on Sunday, setting a new record for the highest daily rain in February. Several days of showers were forecast for Sydney from late Wednesday to Sunday, with February typically one of the city's wettest months.
Climate Context and Future Outlook
Global heating, driven mainly by the burning of fossil fuels, has increased the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Another significant weather system is forecast to move across similar areas later this week, which may exacerbate existing damage and recovery efforts.
The bureau continues to monitor the situation closely, with updates expected as the monsoon low progresses across the continent.
