No relief from widespread rainfall and thunderstorms for east coast

Widespread rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to hit Australia's east coast in coming days, with some areas expected to receive more than 100mm of rain over 48 hours.

As the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Esther moves further east and south, a broad low-pressure trough will cause widespread showers, thunderstorms and areas of heavy rain parts of Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT and Victoria.

A slow-moving trough is expected to deepen across western New South Wales, bringing moderate to heavy falls across inland and southeast districts into Friday.

There is a severe weather warning for heavy warning leading to possible flash flooding for across parts of inland and southeast of the state.

"Thunderstorms are also possible, and likely to exacerbate rainfall rates and totals where they occur," explained the Bureau of Meteorology.

A flood watch is currently in place for the Murrumbidgee, Tumut, Queanbeyan and Belubula Rivers.

Conditions are expected to start easing across western New South Wales later Thursday, and across the remainder of the state by Friday when the system moves away over the Tasman Sea.

Sydney can expect a top of 23C.

VICTORIA

The trough responsible for drenching NSW is expected to bring rain and thunderstorms to Victoria from late this afternoon into the evening. 

"Wednesday rainfall totals in the warning areas are likely to be between 20 and 60mm with locally higher totals possible," the BoM explained.

Rainfall is likely to continue into Thursday and could be extended to other central and eastern districts.

Locations which may be affected include Shepparton, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Corryong, Bright and Falls Creek.

Melbourne can expect a top of 23C.

QUEENSLAND

Heavy rainfall and damaging winds developing in Southwest Queensland as ex-tropical cyclone Esther moves southeast towards the NT/QLD border. 

Widespread six hourly totals of 50-100mm are likely across the region, with damaging winds around 90km/h also expected.

A separate flood watch is in place for rivers and creeks in southwestern Queensland.

Locations which may be affected include Thargomindah, Birdsville, Quilpie, Windorah, Boulia, Bedourie, Urandangi, Eromanga, Stonehenge, Dajarra, Orientos and Ballera.

Brisbane can expect a top of 28C.

EVERYWHERE ELSE

Damaging winds averaging 40 to 60 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h and thunderstorms are tipped to move across the southern Barkly District and northeast Simpson District in the Northern Territory before heading into Queensland.

A Flood Watch is current for the Tanami Desert, Central Desert, MacDonnell Ranges, Barkly, Georgina River and Simpson Desert.

Darwin can expect a top of 31C.

Heavy rain and flash flooding are tipped for northeast South Australia, with the weather sticking around until late Thursday.

Locations which may be affected include Moomba, Innamincka, the Simpson Desert Conservation Park and the Strzelecki Track south of Moomba.

Perth will be cloudy with a top of 32C and Hobart will be a Sunny 23C.