Batten down the hatches, Canberra. More wet weather is on the way.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The national capital is on track to receive almost double the average March rainfall in just a week.
Canberra is forecast to receive between 80 and 130 millimetres of rain this week with up to half of that expected to fall on Wednesday, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
The average rainfall for the ACT for March is 50.7 millimetres.
Bureau forecaster Helen Kirkup said the rain was a result of ex-tropical cyclone Esther off the Western Australia coast.
"That low-pressure system is forecast to move in an easterly direction and be over the Northern Territory on Tuesday," Ms Kirkup said.
"This has created a lot of moisture in the atmosphere and we're expecting a cloud band to form over central NSW and it will really build on Tuesday."
The rain is expected to hit on Tuesday night and more than 40 millimetres is forecast for Wednesday.
The bureau said as much as 80 millimtetres of rain could fall on Wednesday.
On Thursday, between 30 and 50 millimetres of rain is forecast and there is a chance of a thunderstorm.
However, the bureau has said the thunderstorms weren't expected to be as severe as those seen in January that brought large hail to many parts of Canberra.
"The general scenario is one where there'll be isolated places where the storm concentrates," Ms Kirkup said.
"There will be some localised falls that could be a lot heavier than what's on the broader forecast.
"Up on the ranges and the Brindabellas will see the most of the rain, but the whole area will see a few days of rainfall."
READ MORE:
While the coming week's rain is expected to bring a large amount to the capital, it won't be the largest seen in March.
That record was set more than 30 years ago, when rain gauges recorded 126 millimetres in a single day in 1989.
Ms Kikrup said while the average rainfall was 50 millimetres for March, rain in the capital at this time of year was very variable.
"The median is only 31.6 millimetres for the month," she said.
"For anywhere inland during March, all it takes is one good band of rainfall."
The rain is expected to ease on Friday before sunny conditions arrive just in time for the Canberra Day long weekend.
"It looks like the weekend will be reasonably fine and clear," Ms Kirkup said.
"We may still have an easterly air stream that will bring clouds, it's going to be a fairly clear weekend."
Tuesday is expected to reach a high of 23, before dropping to 20 on Wednesday when the majority of the showers arrive.
Rain is forecast for Thursday and Friday and a top of 22 and 26 respectively.