Australian states brace for a pair of rain bands

Weatherzone says two rainbands are set to affect a broad stretch of Victoria, New South Wales and southwest Queensland over the coming week, with the heaviest falls expected in the Murray-Darling Basin.

The forecast comes as the Bureau of Meteorology says rain is expected to become heavier and more widespread next week. The first band was over Western Australia on Friday and is expected to move across the country over the next few days.

First band moves east

According to the forecast cited in the report, the first rainband should weaken for a time before strengthening again on Monday.

That would bring heavier and more persistent rainfall into parts of southeastern Australia, with inland areas named as the main focus for the best totals.

Weatherzone said some areas across the Murray-Darling Basin could receive 50 to 100 millimetres over seven days.

Second burst midweek

A second burst of rainfall is expected midweek. The report says that system could also draw in colder air, with alpine snow possible in the southeast.

The timing and placement of the two bands remain uncertain, and the exact rainfall axis may shift north or south as the systems move inland.

What to watch

The main areas to watch are the Murray-Darling Basin and nearby inland towns, where concentrated rain could raise the risk of local flooding and transport disruption.

Victorian residents, New South Wales residents and communities in southwest Queensland are all within the broad forecast area.

Weatherzone also said the pattern is unusual for some more northern areas and for heavy June rain in Queensland.

The next key updates will be any Bureau of Meteorology warnings, flood watches or changes to the forecast track as the first band crosses from west to east.