‘Showers and thunderstorms in the mix’: Millions of Aussies warned to keep umbrellas handy amid rain lashing

Wet weather is set to continue after much of the country was lashed by rain, storms and snow on Thursday. Sky News Weather meteorologist Rob Sharp said there’s a chance of thunderstorms heading into Friday. “Plenty of wet weather in the west of the country today with showers and thunderstorms in the mix,” Mr Sharp said. “This system through today continuing to drench the NSW north east with showers looking to become a little bit more active for south east Queensland as the main rain band has moved out to sea.” There is also the potential for damaging surf across the NSW north coast and parts of south east Queensland. “So the waves looking to get increasingly large through today along that eastern coastline,” Mr Sharp said. Despite this, the south east is tipped for sunny skies on Friday. It follows snowfall in Jenolan in NSW’s central west region on Thursday, with video footage capturing the moment. Jenolan Cabins’ Barry Richard told Weatherzone between one and two centimetres of snow fell on Thursday. “We’ve had two other falls this year which is not as much as we normally get,” Mr Richard said. “Normally we see at least four or five falls throughout the winter.” Snow also fell in parts of the NSW Central Tablelands on Thursday, according to Weatherzone. Parts of NSW have been shivering through winter-like temperatures, with Sydney’s temperature remaining below 13C for much of Wednesday. The city’s coldest day of 2024 so far was recorded on June 22 with a top of 12.1C. A hazardous surf warning has also been issued across the Byron Coast, Coffs Coast and Macquarie Coast in NSW on Friday, with the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command advising people to stay out of the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas. “Rock fishers should avoid coastal rock platforms exposed to the ocean and seek a safe location that is sheltered from the surf,” the warning states. “Boaters planning to cross shallow water and ocean bars should consider changing or delaying their voyage. “Boaters already on the water should carry the appropriate safety equipment and wear a lifejacket. “Boaters should remember to log on with their local Marine Rescue radio base, via VHF Radio or the Marine Rescue APP, and consider their safety management plan.” Sydney is expected to reach a high of 18C on Friday with a chance of showers, while Melbourne has traded in for sunny skies and a top of 17C. Brisbane is tipped for a high of 21C with a very high chance of rain, with Perth also having a very high chance of showers and a top of 19C on Friday. Adelaide is forecast to be 22C and sunny, with Hobart looking at a top of 17C and partly cloudy. Canberra is expected to hit 16C with sunny skies, while Darwin is expected to hit 33C with a chance of showers and thunderstorms.