Wild weather to smash the east coast

Showers and rough seas are set to smash a big portion of the eastern coast this weekend, while graziers have been told to keep an eye on their sheep due to extremely cold temperatures.

Strong south-easterly winds are expected to hit the north of NSW coast and almost the entire coast of Queensland on Friday.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued warnings for heavy winds on Friday for Byron and Coffs coast in NSW, and areas between Gold Coast right up to the North East Gulf of Carpentaria in Queensland.

While the wind and rain lashes down, Brisbane is looking to hit a top of 24C on Friday and Sunday, and 23C on Saturday, while further north in Cairns, temperatures will reach 27C and 28C.

Queensland residents further inland will enjoy mostly sunny conditions.

There has also been a warning issued for graziers in NSW and the ACT, as part of the Snowy Mountains are expected to be so frigid there may be a risk of losing lambs and sheep due to exposure.

Canberra’s capital will be exceptionally cold, with minimums as low as -2C expected on Friday.

Fog and frost is expected each morning, but as the sun appears, the capital will reach 20C on most days over the weekend.

Light showers are expected for Sydney all weekend, with the temperature incrementally warming from Friday to Sunday – maximums will reach 21C, 22C and then 23C.

Tasmanians on the south east coast and south west coast have been warned to prepare for gale force winds on Friday, while a strong wind warning is also in place for regions surrounding the central west coast.

Residents in Hobart can expect partly cloudy conditions from Friday to Sunday, and three days of 18C.

The rest of the country is set to enjoy “settled” weather, according to meteorologist Christie Johnson, due to a high pressure system moving from the Great Australian Bight towards Victoria.

Melbourne and Adelaide will enjoy mostly sunny days with light winds, with maximum temperatures ranging between 21-23C and 22-24C respectively.

Perth and Darwin will also enjoy sunny conditions with light winds, but much higher temperatures.

The NT capital city will reach 34C most days, and residents in Perth will enjoy maximum temperatures between 26C and 31C.