The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting widespread rain for south-western parts of the NT later on Friday and on Saturday as a trough moves through central Australia from WA during this week

Two-day totals in the 15-25mm range are forecast for most of the Lasseter district, with isolated falls from thunderstorms pushing the totals up to 40-50mm in some locations

This intensity of rainfall has the potential to lead to flash flooding and roads being cut in some areas, the bureau has warned.

By Sunday, the system will weaken as it moves east, so there is only a very slight chance of rainfall for eastern districts of the Territory this week.

There continues to be a chance of thunderstorms but the build-up heat remains for Katherine, the bureau says.

Temperatures on Friday through to Monday are forecast to top 40 degrees.

 Isolated showers and storms are set to continue across the western Top End this week, with clearer, hotter conditions in the east.

Darwin and the rural area have had much less rainfall than average so far this October, with just 3.2mm in the rain gauge at Darwin Airport versus an average of 71mm, and 100mm in October last year.

Katherine has recorded 22.8mm so far against an October average of about 30mm.Eastern parts of the Territory will see hotter than average daytime temperatures in the coming days, possibly near record in the Barkly, Carpentaria and Arnhem districts, the bureau says.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday at 6am from the Katherine Times. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.