Following a warm and dry midweek, the weather bureau has warned there is a chance of a severe thunderstorm and a very high chance of showers today.
In a forecast released on Thursday afternoon, meteorologist Sarah Scully said strong winds were pushing rain towards eastern parts of the country and storms were likely in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne.
The rain, expected to hit Canberra in the afternoon and evening, could be accompanied by a possibly severe thunderstorm.
It could bring damaging winds, large hail or heavy rainfall, Ms Scully said.
It is very likely rain gauges could receive between 10 to 35 millimetres of rain.
Minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 13 degrees, only going up to 21 degrees during the largely overcast day.
Northerly winds between 15 to 20kmh are predicted early on Thursday morning, increasing in speed up to 30kmh in the late morning.
In the forecast, Ms Scully indicated inland regions of NSW could have a drier day as compared to Canberra and coastal areas.
Communities in the south-east have been advised to keep "a close eye" on weather warnings and the rain radar for any incoming storm activity.
The Bureau of Meteorology expected stormy conditions to clear out on Saturday morning.
The weekend is predicted to be far more settled with dry and partly sunny or sunny conditions on both days.