Showers on Friday were just a preview for even wetter weather Canberra can expect over the weekend, but the territory is likely to be spared the deluge predicted for the coast.
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As of 5pm Friday, Canberra had received close to five millimetres of rain with more expected to come.
But it was nothing compared to what the territory could expect from Sunday morning when a low pressure system developing over north east NSW would bring widespread heavy rainfall, Weatherzone meteorologist Guy Dixon said.
"The showers developing [on Friday] was to do with a low pressure trough … it's sort of a forerunner to the larger scale system," he said.
While 10 to 20 millimetres was expected for Friday and Saturday, on Sunday Canberra could expect it to double to between 20 and 40mm when the low pressure system begins moving south east across the state and off the coast of NSW between Sydney and the south coast
"Continuing even into Monday as it spins off the far south coast… it should deliver about another 20-odd millimetres in the ACT," Mr Dixon said.
But Canberra will be spared the even heavier rainfall and high wind gusts predicted for the coast, including Eden and Jervis Bay, which could expect up to 100 millimetres of rain on Sunday.
"Generally speaking rainfall will be the most significant feature," Mr Dixon said.
"Obviously the soil and catchment is saturated from the last event so any lingering pollution and leaf litter or even stormwater systems will increase the chances of flooding."
"But comparing it to the last system we saw… it's not expected to be as intense."
"It's probably slightly unusual to have two in quick succession, however this is the time of year when they're most prevalent."
While thick cloud cover and rain will limit daytime temperatures in Canberra to maximums of 12 to 14 for much of the week, it will have a silver-lining for those struggling with cold nights as overnight temperatures are expected to stay above average with minimums of 6 or 7 degrees.
Mr Dixon said light showers of less than five millimetres could linger into Tuesday before it clears on Wednesday.
Motorists and other road users were urged to take care on roads across the ACT over the weekend, particularly rural roads, unsealed roads and level crossings during the wet weather and warned not to drive through flooded low level crossings.
A TAMS spokeswoman said further rainfall could render some trails and unsealed roads in the region impassable including fire trails and management roads.
"These closures would include, but are not restricted to, the area around Murrumbidgee River and connected bodies of water, as well as the Cotter River and Molonglo River," she said.
"The public is also reminded to stay clear of flooded lakes, ponds and cycle paths"
Sunshine Crossing and Angle Crossing remain closed and Boboyan and Brindabella roads were restricted to 4WD access only.
The wet weather will limit the chance of snow until next Friday when a predicted strong cold front will bring colder, drier air.
"We need moisture for precipitation to fall, but a drier air mass as opposed to tropical moisture is better for snowfall," Mr Dixon said.
