Early build-up rains have dropped 77mm over Darwin since Saturday (including 17.6mm on Monday morning), bringing our daily and monthly total rainfalls to the highest since 1981.
Much of the rain fell on Sunday in Darwin and regional surrounds, with most places across the Top End receiving a lot less. Wagait Beach received 10mm, Adelaide River received 1.2mm and Katherine received 0.2mm.
On average 15.6mm of rain falls on Darwin in September, meaning we've had almost five times the monthly average so far, with nine days left in the month.
The first 50mm of rain that falls in northern Australia helps trigger grass growth and is important for the pastoral sector.
Typically this amount, known as the Northern Rainfall Onset, falls in the Top End by late October or early November, spreading further south and inland over the following weeks.
"We have now already reached this important threshold in the Top End and there is a high likelihood southern NT will also reach it sooner than average," a Bureau of Meteorology spokeswoman said.
"Top Enders hoping for more rain are most likely to see it Thursday, but we're not forecasting a repeat rainfall event. A unique set of circumstances helped keep the storms recharging over the weekend, while typical build up conditions result in a single burst of rain followed by days of inactivity."
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In the south the fast-moving severe thunderstorms packed a punch wind-wise, but left little rain behind. Alice Springs recorded 0.2mm of rain, while 2mm fell at Curtin Springs south of Alice Springs and Gilnockie west of Limmen National Park received 4mm.
Hot and humid conditions will continue in the Top End this week with the chance of showers and thunderstorms bringing periods of cooler relief. Alice Springs can expect a mostly sunny week and weekend.