As Australians gear up for the Easter long weekend, a mix of weather conditions is expected across the nation, with almost every state and territory anticipating some rain. Temperatures will generally remain warm, providing a pleasant backdrop for holiday activities.
In New South Wales, Sydney is set to start the weekend with a warm 25-degree day on Good Friday, April 18, 2025. Light winds and some clouds will accompany the day, creating a comfortable atmosphere for outdoor plans. However, as the weekend progresses, the weather will take a turn. Saturday is forecasted to bring the chance of showers later in the day, with a maximum temperature of 25 degrees. Slightly windy conditions are expected, with wind gusts reaching up to 32 km/h. Easter Sunday will see similar weather, with a maximum of 24 degrees and early morning showers anticipated, followed by overcast conditions throughout the day. About 6mm of rain is expected to fall on Sunday. Fortunately, by Easter Monday, the clouds are predicted to clear, leading to a warm and sunny day.
In the Australian Capital Territory, Canberra will enjoy a warm 26 degrees on both Good Friday and Saturday, with no storms on the horizon. Sunday is expected to remain clear, also hitting a maximum of 24 degrees, while Monday will continue the trend with sunny weather and no rain.
Meanwhile, Queensland's capital, Brisbane, is set to experience sunny conditions for the first half of the long weekend. Both Friday and Saturday will see highs of 26 degrees, although there is a slight chance of clouds on Saturday afternoon. However, as the weekend progresses, rain is expected to move in. Temperatures will remain high on Sunday, April 20, before scattered showers are forecast for the afternoon. Showers are likely to continue into Monday, but they are expected to pass over the city.
In contrast, Melbourne's weather will start with isolated thunderstorms on Good Friday, with a top temperature of 22 degrees. The rain is expected to continue into Saturday, bringing a sprinkle of rain and low temperatures of 13 degrees. Fortunately, Easter Sunday and Monday promise sunny conditions, with temperatures rising to 18 degrees.
South Australia is also bracing for gloomy weather at the start of the long weekend. Adelaide will see isolated thunderstorms on Friday, with highs of 22 degrees, and the wet weather is expected to carry into Saturday morning before clearing in the afternoon. By Sunday, the clouds should clear completely, leading to sunny weather and a cool 20 degrees. Monday will be mostly sunny with some cloud coverage.
Tasmania's Hobart will face stormy conditions, with isolated thunderstorms expected on both Friday and Saturday. Temperatures will remain chilly, starting at 16 degrees on Friday and reaching 20 degrees on Saturday. By Sunday, the storms are expected to clear, but the temperature will still hover around 16 degrees. Monday will bring cloudy weather with no rain.
In the Northern Territory, Darwin will experience a weekend of cloudy yet hot weather. Temperatures will peak on Friday at 33 degrees, with clouds dominating the sky. Saturday will see a slight cooling to 29 degrees with partly cloudy conditions, which will persist into Sunday. However, Monday is expected to bring the only rain forecast for Darwin over the weekend, with passing showers and temperatures remaining warm at 29 degrees.
Western Australia is particularly on alert, as residents have been warned about a potential late-season tropical cyclone. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has advised that a tropical low, currently sitting over waters north of Darwin, is forecast to move south-west across the Timor Sea. Meteorologist Alison Osbourne noted, "The system will continue to strengthen at this stage as it continues to glance the WA Kimberly coast." While landfall is not expected in the coming days, gale-force winds and heavy rainfall are anticipated, prompting the BOM to issue a tropical cyclone watch for all coastal communities in the region. Emergency WA has also issued a cyclone advice warning for areas from Cockatoo Island to Berkeley River, urging residents to prepare for dangerous weather.
In addition to the potential cyclone in Western Australia, meteorologists are also monitoring a slim chance of a second tropical low forming in waters off the Gulf Carpentaria. Osbourne mentioned that it could develop north of the Gulf by Wednesday, April 16, 2025, with possible landfall from this system not ruled out by the end of next week.
As the weather unfolds across Australia, residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepared for changing conditions, particularly in regions facing severe weather threats. With Easter weekend festivities on the horizon, many Australians will be hoping for a balance of sunshine and rain to enjoy their holiday plans.
