The last two days have been marked by widespread thunderstorms extending through the southern and eastern states. Severe thunderstorms brought damaging wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain to southeastern South Australia on Monday and to northeastern New South Wales and southern Queensland yesterday afternoon. Topography, was the main reason why Sydney was spared from these thunderstorms as the strong southerly winds that kicked in over the city just before noon, literally pushed these thunderstorms towards the hills of the northern beaches and the central coast. For now, a high pressure system is moving over the Great Australian Bight. This system will allow lighter winds and dry conditions to settle across SA, VIC and NSW over the next 48 with cool mornings and some frost patches along the hills and ranges. There is also a chance of the odd light drizzle or shower along the coastal fringe, but these should be light and isolated. The next cold front will reach SA early on Saturday and sweep through the southeast over the weekend. As with previous cold fronts, strong northerly winds ahead of the system will bring another outburst of warm temperatures before the gusty and cool southerly change moves in. Adelaide can expect Friday and Saturday to reach the high 20s, while Melbourne will reach the mid-20s. The Harbour City will lag a day behind, reaching high-20s and low-30s in time for Sydneysiders to enjoy the weekend. Unfortunately, this front is not looking to bring much rainfall with less than 10mm of widespread rain across the southeastern states.