PERTH, Australia, March 23 -- Inclement weather is expected to impact the intensifying search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, according to latest information from Australian meteorological authorities on Sunday.

Danita Matusch from the West Australian Bureau of Meteorology told Xinhua that a change in the regional weather pattern would likely hamper further efforts in the search operation for the missing aircraft, approximately 2,500 kilometers southwest of Perth.

Matusch said light to strong rain and associated low cloud would impact visibility on the high-seas throughout the weekend and possibly into next week. "Another cold front forecast to pass through the area today will bring rain, low cloud, and associated poor visibility."

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology provides regular weather forecasts in support of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority' s coordination of an international search effort that has come to focus on an area in the "southern corridor" four to five hours flight from Perth where the Southern Ocean intersects with the Indian Ocean.