With flood warnings in place along the Queanbeyan River and heavy rain lashing the region this afternoon, it hardly feels like summer in and around the capital.
With temperatures so far averaging a top of just 25 degrees over the past couple of months, it looks as though Canberra could be heading for its coolest summer in 16 years, The Weather Channel has said today.
"The first eight days of February have proved especially chilly, the average temperature so far is only 22.8C," senior meteorologist Tom Saunders said.
Along with the cool temperatures, the ACT looks set to exceed its average summer rainfall figures.
Heavy rains and storms arrived in the capital this afternoon and will likely continue for the next few days, prompting flood warnings for residents along the Queanbeyan River.
A 70 per cent chance of localised flooding is predicted for the Queanbeyan Molonglo river valley.
Low pressure systems are developing in the area, and the Googong Dam is at 100 per cent capacity.
The State Emergency Service has urged residents living and working along the river to begin flood preparations.
Mr Saunders said the higher than average rainfall up and down the east coast was result of the second consecutive La Nina summer.
The same flood watch has been issued for Moruya and Bega.
"This summer Canberra has already recorded 146mm of rain, but after the expected rain over the coming days the total should climb above the average of 169mm," he said.
with Hamish Boland-Rudder
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