Rare dry season downpours begin across Australian outback, as cloud band spreads toward eastern seaboard

The prolonged spell of rain is predicted to bring widespread totals in the range of 50 to 100mm from the Kimberley through to the southern parts of the Northern Territory and on to tropical Queensland.

If it eventuates, it will be the most widespread winter falls in at least 16 years and well above the average rainfall for the entire season which for most of tropical Australia sits at less than 25mm.