The northwestern Top End has gotten an early taste of the build-up as hot, humid conditions were followed by the heaviest August rain in 16 years in some places. Dew points reached into the low 20's across much of the region yesterday, creating oppressive conditions more typical of late September or early October than August. And as often is the case at that time of year, this led to a build up of cloud throughout the day before giving way to showers, which in this case occurred in the evening and overnight. Darwin Airport recorded 2.4mm to 9am, its heaviest August rain since 1997, while in the northern suburbs Leanyer collected 13mm, its highest August total in almost a decade. There were some decent falls inland too, with Geriatric Park receiving 19mm, its heaviest August rain in the sites 16 year history. Humid conditions are lingering this morning, however as the day goes on it will become much drier as a gusty southeasterly surge comes in, leading to much more typical dry season conditions. The dry, windy conditions will persist until at least Sunday, before it becomes increasingly more humid from next week.