Australia set to experience wetter than average winter

The winter months are set to bring an above-average dumping of rain for most Australian states, with just southwest Tasmania getting a reprieve after exhausting La Nina conditions.

Rainfall for July to September is likely to be above the median average for much of the northern and eastern mainland, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

Southwest Tasmania on the other hand is likely to have below the median rainfall for the colder months.

Large parts of eastern Australia are around two to four times more likely than normal to have unusually high rainfall for July to September – putting 2022 in the top 20 per cent of wettest years.

Warmer than average days are expected across the northern and far-south states, while cooler conditions are expected for everywhere else.

A negative Indian Ocean Dipole, which affects rainfall patterns, has been threatening to approach and the bureau now says it is likely to develop as the two-year La Nina weakens.

Autumn rainfall was above average across most of the east and west of Australia, meaning soil moisture is above average in the eastern states.

Sydneysiders can expect these wetter conditions to arrive early this weekend, as potential showers are forecast for late Friday afternoon, increasing to a 60 per cent chance on Saturday and 80 per cent chance for Sunday.

Melbourne can expect respite over the weekend, but showers are forecast to return by Tuesday.

A chance of a gusty thunderstorm is predicted for Perth, with potential for up to 15mm of rainfall on Friday. Thunderstorms and wind are likely to carry through to next week.

In Adelaide, a sunny weekend is ahead, with showers likely to return on Monday.