But it could reached a record high temperature, with 40 degrees forecast.

Katherine is hoping for a much better return this time after two of the worst wet seasons on record.

Bores have run dry, gardens are turning brown as water restrictions bite deep and the Katherine River is slow and low.

But while this week's rain outlook is disappointing conditions remain favourable for many more downpours this wet season.

The Bureau of Meteorology has been predicting a much earlier and better wet season this time around, largely due to the influence of a La Nina.

Most international weather models predict a La Nina will form but the bureau has stopped short of saying that just yet.

Katherine traditionally receives about 30mm in October, November is historically the month when the wet season arrives.

Friday is forecast to be dry and muggy in the Top End, with only a slight chance of showers around Darwin on Saturday and Darwin and rural areas on Sunday.

While thunderstorms are possible this week in the western Daly district (including Darwin), the chance of seeing any rain from these storms diminishes as the week progresses.

Thunderstorms bringing gusty conditions are likely to produce rain today and tomorrow in the far south west corner of the Territory including up to 5mm at Uluru and possibly extending east to Alice Springs, but it's more likely any rain will fall on the outskirts and be less than 1mm.

Rains so far this September have been notable, with several locations recording their highest monthly rainfall totals ever.

These include Charles Darwin University with 94.8mm so far, Dum In Mirrie with 90.6mm and Middle Point recording 48.6mm.

Further inland Yeuralba Ridge, about 45km north east of Katherine, has had 54.6mm of rain.

The accompanying map shows how much rain has fallen across the NT since the start of the build-up.

For many areas, these totals are above average rainfall for this time of year, particularly coastal areas in the western Top End, some western inland areas and south east of Tennant Creek.

Katherine is looking to recharge the Tindall aquifer, save trees and gardens forced onto the regime of odds and evens water restrictions, "flush" the river.

Rain in Katherine last wet season was in the lowest 10 per cent of records dating back to the late 19th century.

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