Trick-or-treaters in NSW and Qld could hear spooky rumbles of thunder on Thursday as Halloween storms develop across both states in the afternoon and evening.

Low pressure troughs passing over eastern Australia on Thursday will act as triggers for the showers and thunderstorms, beginning in the afternoon and likely persisting into the early evening in some areas.

In NSW, there is a chance of showers and thunderstorms over most central and eastern parts of the state, although storms are most likely about the central ranges and in the northeast.

Storms in the Sydney region will probably focus on the Blue Mountains and surrounding ranges, although they may track towards the east and affect parts of Sydney, the Central Coast, Illawarra and Lower Hunter in the afternoon or early evening.

In Qld, thunderstorms are possible over southeastern, central and northwestern parts of the state. The storms in the state’s southeast will be hit and miss over a broad area stretching from the coast inland towards Charleville and as far north as about Moranbah. Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast all have a chance of seeing a storm on Thursday afternoon or evening, although they are not guaranteed.

Image: Forecast rainfall on Thursday.

Elsewhere in Australia, thunderstorms are also possible over northern parts of the NT and WA’s Kimberley district on Thursday afternoon and evening, including Darwin.

Melbourne could see some light showers on Thursday, although heavy rain is unlikely to spoil any trick-or-treating activities in the afternoon. Hobart will have clearing showers on Thursday and will most likely be dry in the afternoon and evening. Adelaide, Perth and Canberra will all be dry on Thursday.

Warnings will be issued for any severe thunderstorms on Thursday, so be sure to check the latest warnings and the radar before heading out this Halloween.