The first half of December has been very hot and dry for most of northern Australia.

Model consensus, however, suggest potential for a significant burst of widespread rain from now until the new year. First, all coastal Qld is looking to see 25-50mm of rain over the coming four days, with the Top End and northern WA seeing similar falls earlier next week.

Northern WA and the entire of the NT will see continue to see severe to extreme heatwave conditions until Saturday, just before the rains begin.

Moreover, there are indications that the North Australian Monsoon could arrive in Australian shores with the new year.

The current outlook suggests a significant risk of a significant low developing next week somewhere over the Arafura or Timor seas, bringing the first real threat of a TC in Australian waters this season.