Satellite images captured a large northwest cloudband developing over Australia on Friday, revealing an atmospheric river that will deliver widespread rain across Australia over the weekend and early next week.

The animation below uses enhanced water vapour satellite imagery to show tropical moisture extending more than 5,000 km from the Indian Ocean towards South Australia on Friday afternoon.

While Friday’s cloudband did not deliver too much wet weather, that’s about to change. The cloudband will interact with a cold front to produce widespread rain across a broad area of southern and southeastern Australia this weekend into Monday.

Widespread falls of 20 to 40 mm are likely across parts of WA, SA, NSW, Vic, Tas and the ACT between now and Monday. Some areas in Vic and southern NSW could see 50-100 mm over this period, while parts of SA could receive 30 to 60 mm.

Image: Forecast accumulated rain between Friday and Monday. Source: Weatherzone.

The rain developing this weekend could cause flooding in some states, most likely in Vic and southern NSW. A flood watch was issued for parts of Vic on Friday and further flood watches and warnings may come out over the weekend.

In addition to the rain, this system is also likely to cause damaging winds, snow, hail and thunderstorms across southern and southeastern Australia between Saturday and Monday.

Check the latest forecasts and warnings in your area for the most up-to-date information in the coming days.