A MONSOON trough that redeveloped across the Top End of the Northern Territory and far north Queensland, and Tropical Cyclone Megan, brought heavy rain, widespread showers and thunderstorms to northern Australia.

During the first half of the week, a near-stationary low-pressure trough across central and south-eastern Western Australia interacted with tropical moisture advected from the Timor Sea, resulting in frequent showers, heavy rain and thunderstorms.

At the end of the week, an inland low-pressure trough brought high humidity, showers and thunderstorms to inland New South Wales, eastern South Australia and north-western Victoria.

Rainfall totals greater than 100mm were recorded in parts of the Top End and northern Qld, with some areas receiving more than 200mm for the week.

Rainfall totals greater than 100mm were also recorded in parts of WA’s Kimberley and Eucla districts.

Areas of northern, central and south-eastern WA, the Top End, and northern Qld recorded weekly totals of 50-100mm, while pockets of coastal south-eastern Qld and NSW received 25-50mm for the week.

The highest weekly total at a Bureau gauge was 768mm at the NT’s Groote Eylandt Airport, including the highest daily rainfall total of 431mm in the 24 hours to 9am on March 17.