Central Australia could have the “strange” occurrence of snow falling on the arid Outback during a predicted big chill this week that could also bring unseasonable rain.

The Bureau of Meteorology said a huge rain band would cover the inland on Monday and Tuesday – dumping 50-100 millimetres in what is usually a dry month.

It would be followed later in the week by an extreme freeze on Friday and Saturday, with maximum temperatures up to 10 degrees below average in some areas.

The ABC reports the mercury could drop so low that snow might fall on the Northern Territory’s highest peak of Mount Zeil, in the western MacDonnell Ranges, about 130 kilometres west of Alice Springs.

While it was unlikely the snow would “settle” on the ground, it could create a “flurry”.

Senior BOM forecaster Billy Lynch said a “significant cold pool” would move cross central Australia on Friday and Saturday.

“As strange as it sounds, I’m not willing to rule out the chance of snow on some of those very high peaks,” he told the ABC.

Mr Lynch said there would not be enough snow to blanket the peak.

“If it did happen, it’s not going to be settling on the ground, it’s just going to be a little bit of a snow flurry,” he said.

“I definitely wouldn’t be recommending going up there to create snowman or anything like that, because that’s not going to happen.”

A large rain ban will bring cold temperatures to Central Australia. Photo: BOM screenshot

The bureau said an “unseasonable” rain band that started in Western Australia’s north on Monday would shift to the central Kimberley from Tuesday.

“Heavy rainfall may cause localised flooding, impact roads and travellers in the area. Some communities may become isolated,” warned a BOM bulletin.

“The Fitzroy River and other major rivers in the north are unlikely to reach or exceed minor flood levels but there will be an increase in river flows from this rain.

“A flood watch has been issued for Desert and Kimberley catchments.

The rain band is expected to weaken across the central and eastern Kimberley on Wednesday. However, further rainfall may redevelop later in the week.

The BOM said it would be unseasonably cold under the rain band, with temperatures well below average for this time of year.