Forecasters have delivered a grim Grand Final day weather verdict for AFL fans – with up to 15mm of rain set to soak Melbourne throughout the event.
Fremantle will take on the Brisbane Lions at the MCG on Saturday, as the curtain falls on another action-packed AFL season.
But fans hoping for a sun-soaked occasion in the Victorian capital may well be disappointed, after forecasters revealed a prediction nobody hoped for.
Meteorologists are expecting Saturday’s contest to be a soggy affair, with intermittent showers forecast throughout the day in Melbourne.
It may mean Aussie pop princess Kylie Minogue will need to grab for her umbrella while performing at the end of season spectacle.
Dean Narramore, senior meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorologists, said Melbourne may see up to 15mm of rain throughout the day.
“The outlook is not great, sadly,” he said.
“It is looking like it could be cold and wet with showers starting in the mid-to-late morning and carrying on throughout to day.”
He said temperatures in the city would be between 16C and 17C – with salt rubbed into the wounds by “beautiful” weather in the north of Victoria.
“It will likely be wet for the game, the entertainment, the whole thing,” he said.
In Fremantle, it will likely be around 19C in temperature, but with scattered showers throughout the day, spelling bad news for anybody planning backyard watch parties.
However, Brisbane is expected to see the brighter side of the weather, with temperatures of around 25C.
“It’s looking pretty good for Lions fans in Brisbane wanting to watch the game in their back yards, but not so much Fremantle,” Mr Narramore added.
Meanwhile, the matchday’s most favourable weather looks to be in Sydney, where it is forecast to be sunny with temperatures of around 29C.
Adelaide is expected to see passing showers and temperatures around 19C, whereas Hobart in Tasmania may see temperatures of around 13C and soggy conditions.
Originally published as Melbourne footy fans brace for soggy AFL Grand Final as rain hits MCG