Melbourne is bracing for a wet Melbourne Cup Day, with more heavy rain expected to follow an already soggy start to the week.
On Monday morning, commuters who didn’t take the long weekend off were forced to dodge showers as they made their way to work. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has forecast continued rainfall throughout the day, with up to 40mm expected and a top temperature of just 16°C.
As racegoers prepare for the “race that stops the nation,” the forecast shows no sign of improvement. Tuesday’s Cup Day is expected to be cloudy with a “very high chance of showers,” meaning umbrellas will be essential at Flemington.
Despite the rain, winds are expected to remain light — a relief for racegoers hoping not to lose their hats. The wet conditions are forecast to persist for the rest of the week, with showers expected each day.
Meanwhile, wind warnings have been issued for the East Gippsland Coast, and by Tuesday, they will extend to the West Coast, Central Coast, and Central Gippsland Coast.
In Sydney, racegoers at Royal Randwick for the $3 million “The Big Dance” event can expect highs of around 25°C with only a slight chance of showers between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Further north, Brisbane and parts of southeast Queensland are still recovering from a week of wild weather. More storms are expected through Monday night, but calmer and sunnier conditions are forecast for the remainder of the week.
