Weather Australia: BOM forecast for Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne this weekend ...

Weather Australia: BOM forecast for Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne this weekend ...
Weather Australia: BOM forecast for Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne this weekend ...

Rain, thunderstorms and possible flooding are set to continue into the weekend for most of the east coast of Australia despite patches of sunshine on Thursday. 

But the wild weather is expected to ease into fine weather for next week - though there is still a chance Australians could be in for a wet Christmas with 'higher than average rainfall' for the next few weeks. 

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting summer will be wetter than usual for the east of the country due to a La Nina weather system - though this is expected to ease in late January bringing finer weather. 

More rain is expected for Australia's east coast on Thursday evening (pictured) and into the weekend

More rain is expected for Australia's east coast on Thursday evening (pictured) and into the weekend

Bureau meteorologist Johnathan How said a low pressure system in the country's south is causing the recent downpours.  

'There is the potential for flash flooding as soils are already saturated and rivers will respond to rain quickly' Mr How said. 

'The three-day forecast into Saturday night shows broad agreement between the computer models - widespread moderate falls through the east.'

He said there would be 'large rainfalls' particularly for the south east of the country near the NSW and Victoria border where totals will exceed 100mm.

On Thursday morning the Bureau issued a warning that heavy rainfall continuing into Saturday is expected for the NSW south coast and will likely bring flash flooding. 

Specific locations which may be affected include Eden, Bega, Bombala and Merimbula and a flood warning has also been issued for Scone and Musswellbrook. 

'This is due to a surface trough and low pressure system moving east into a humid air mass and will bring rainfall on Thursday afternoon for most eastern cities,' Mr How said.

Large parts of southeast Queensland have been slammed with thunderstorms over recent days.

In positive news for Sydneysiders at this stage no rain is forecast for next week, giving residents some reprieve from the wet La Nina conditions (pictured, a woman in Brisbane)

In positive news for Sydneysiders at this stage no rain is forecast for next week, giving residents some reprieve from the wet La Nina conditions (pictured, a woman in Brisbane)

The wild weather delayed the opening day of the Ashes Test being held at the Gabba in Brisbane, after large amounts of rain fell at about 3pm. 

Groundsmen were seen rushing to get covers on the wicket at about 3pm as the storm brewed over Brisbane and threatened to end the match prematurely. 

Volunteers worked quickly to drain the large puddles on the grounds as attendees waited impatiently as play was halted for more than an hour and eventually stopped for the day. 

The match will resume early at 10:30am (AEST) on Thursday to make up for the delay, with Australia to begin their batting innings. 

Thursday's play could also be called off with more rain and thunderstorms expected to hit Brisbane on Thursday afternoon. 

Australian cricket legend Shane Warne reassured cricket fans on Wednesday after play was delayed (pictured) that the grounds of the Gabba dried quickly, with Australia to continue batting on Thursday morning

Australian cricket legend Shane Warne reassured cricket fans on Wednesday after play was delayed (pictured) that the grounds of the Gabba dried quickly, with Australia to continue batting on Thursday morning 

Pullenvale, 20km west of Brisbane, was the suburb worst affected by the merciless downpour

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