Easter weekend weather: What forecasters are saying

As Aussies look ahead to the long Easter weekend, hopes for a totally dry one look to have been dashed in parts of the country.

Forecasters expect eastern parts of Australia, particularly on the coast, to struggle to keep the showers away.

But one state capital in particular has been described as “the place to be”, as the mercury there looks set to reach the mid 20s and stay warm and dry throughout the weekend.

Sky News meteorologist Rob Sharpe predicts splutterings of showers in NSW and Queensland through the week and into the long weekend.

“One of the key elements is the southerly front moving on from NSW on Friday, which will bring some showers with it,” he said.

“There is a good chance of showers in Sydney and the same in Brisbane.”

Mr Sharpe added that Tasmania could expect a cooler time over the break, with a cold front due to hit the island on Thursday night and produce temperatures of about 16C in Hobart and rain on Good Friday.

In Melbourne, temperatures are expected to be in the late teens, but Victoria is not expected to avoid the showers, with rain also expected on Good Friday in particular

Mr Sharpe said showers would be more prevalent in east, particularly in parts of Queensland.

“North Queensland looks pretty wet. Although Townsville should be fine, Cairns will see between 25 and 100mm over the next seven days.”

He added that the Northern Territory should be largely sunny and dry, although Darwin may be hit with some showers.

South Australians look to be in luck, with the state capital in particular expected to avoid the need for umbrellas.

“Adelaide looks like the place to be – we’re expecting it to be dry and sunny all through the weekend, with temperatures of around 25C,” Mr Sharpe said.

“For Easter in general, in the east you might well need a brolly, but the rest of the country should have lovely autumnal conditions.

“Emergency services should also finally get a break after recent weather events.”

Angus Hines, senior meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology, said the wet weather should take a “back seat” over Easter.

“By and large you could not really get a more settled four days,” he said.

“It has been a pretty potent wet season but that should take a bit of a back seat.

“During the long weekend it’s looking relatively benign, you shouldn’t expect to have difficulties with flooding but you might struggle to get your washing out on the line.”

State by state rundown:

NSW

There is a high chance of showers in Sydney from Friday to Monday.

Friday is expected to be the warmest day, with a high of 27C, but showers are likely to be spread across the weekend and into Monday.

Queensland

Like NSW, Queensland is expecting soggy spells over the Easter weekend.

Showers are forecast in Brisbane on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with highs in the late 20s each day.

Monday is likely to be cooler, but also drier, with partial cloud cover remaining.

ACT

The possibility of showers is also there in Canberra, although forecasts predict this will be limited to Friday and Saturday.

Sunday and Monday are expected to be cloudy, with temperatures ranging between 10 and 22C.

Victoria

While Melbourne is anticipated to be drier than the eastern states, showers have not been ruled out for Friday and Monday.

Forecasters are predicting showers and mild temperatures on Good Friday, between 14 and 18C, and up to 2mm of downpour.

Saturday and Sunday are expected to be mostly clear, with showers likely to return on Monday.

Northern Territory

Like most other states, the NT is expecting a downpour over the weekend, with warmer temperatures also promising a sticky time.

On Good Friday, the morning is set to be sunny, with Darwin expecting highs of 34C, although there may be a possible storm.

Highs will continue to be in the low 30s throughout the weekend, but showers are expected on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Tasmania

Forecasts predict Tasmania will almost make it through the entire long weekend without a downpour.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday are all expected to remain dry but cooler.

Easter Monday, however, could bring a sprinkling of showers over Hobart.

Western Australia

The west of the country is expected to steer entirely clear of the showers, with not a drop of rain forecast for the whole weekend.

Good Friday looks set to be the warmest day, with highs of 28C, before Perth cools across the weekend.

Saturday is expecting a high of 24C, Sunday 23C and Monday 24C.

South Australia

While being described as “the place to be”, Adelaide may not completely avoid the drizzle as it reaches the end of the long weekend.

Friday is expected to be partly cloudy, with highs of 23C.

Saturday and Sunday are also forecast to be dry, with highs of 25C and 28C respectively.

However, on Easter Monday a shower or two is forecast to hit the city.