Easter Cyclone, Swells, and Sudden Temp Swings Ahead

We’re talking a cyclone up north, big surf in the east, and a hot-to-cool flip in the south. But don’t stress — there’s still plenty of nice weather in the mix.

Let’s break it down state by state, region by region.

Warm, sunny start for the south-east... then a cool change

If you’re in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney or Hobart, the weekend kicks off hot.We’re talking summer-style heat with temps in the high 20s and even low 30s. Adelaide was pushing 34°C midweek, and Melbourne hit 31°C — not bad for April!

That warmth sticks around for Friday and Saturday, but by Sunday, a cool change starts sweeping in across SA and VIC. Sydney gets to enjoy one more warm day though, with a steamy 29°C forecast — just shy of the city’s Easter Sunday record.

Then, boom — by Easter Monday, much cooler weather is in full swing across the south-east, with temps dropping up to 10 degrees. So don’t put those jackets away just yet.

Cyclone up north — but it’s moving away... sort of

Cyclone Errol has been spinning around off the northwest WA coast. It’s a category 4 now, but the forecast says it’ll weaken back to a category 2 or lower before it reaches land.

The tricky part? It’s expected to turn around and head back toward the coast by Friday.

Most populated towns like Broome and Derby should be out of the worst of it, but areas like Kuri Bay, Cockatoo Island, and Beagle Bay could cop heavy rain and possible localised flooding — especially on Good Friday.

As always with cyclones, the track can shift, so locals should keep an eye on the BOM updates.

Tropical low action in the Top End & Cape York

Another tropical low is brewing — this one could bring enhanced rainfall to parts of the eastern Top End and western Cape York Peninsula over the weekend.

Exact timing and impact is still a bit murky, but showers and possible storms are on the cards for Saturday and Sunday.

Darwin looks mostly unaffected — sticking with its classic 33°C and humid with a chance of showers forecast. Same for Cairns, sitting around 30°C with the odd shower across the weekend.

Big swell alert for the east coast

Surfers, get ready — but play it safe.Ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam is sending powerful swell toward the NSW and southern Queensland coasts, with waves up to 5 metres from Thursday through Saturday.

Great news if you’re chasing barrels, but the BOM’s urging caution, especially if you're planning time on or near the water. These waves are big and potentially dangerous.

Cooler and wetter in southern WA

Western Australia will feel that Easter chill first.A cold front is sliding in Thursday night into Friday, bringing cooler temps, showers, and maybe even storms in the southern interior.

That cool change will then head east, hitting SA and VIC by Sunday, and dropping temperatures right through to Monday.

Sadly, if you were hoping for solid rain in dry parts of SA and western VIC, the system will probably only bring patchy showers — some areas might get lucky, others not so much.

Overall Easter wrap-up?

• Friday & Saturday: Warm, sunny for most, especially in the south-east.

• Sunday: Heat hangs on in Sydney & QLD; cool change moving into SA, VIC & TAS.

• Monday: Cooler weather dominates the southern half of the country.

• North: Wet weather possible thanks to cyclones/tropical lows.

• East Coast: Large swell from ex-cyclone Tam — caution at the beach.

So, whether you’re planning a beach trip, family BBQ, or road trip, pack a bit of everything — sunscreen, jumper, umbrella — and keep an eye on local forecasts.