The Bureau of Meteorology has forecasted storm activity to impact the southern regions of Queensland over the King’s Birthday long weekend.
On Monday, calmer weather is anticipated in northern Queensland, which has experienced strong south-easterly winds recently.
Severe thunderstorms may develop in the south-east on Monday, marking the beginning of a period characterized by unsettled weather.
Throughout the long weekend, southern Queensland could face severe storms, while northern sections of the state will encounter coastal showers.
The King’s Birthday holiday on Monday, coinciding with the conclusion of the Queensland school holidays, is expected to bring lighter winds, providing improved boating conditions in the tropics and some relief for areas facing heightened fire risks.
Felim Hanniffy, a senior forecaster at the Bureau, indicated that the weekend will see an increase in storm activity across Queensland.
“October typically marks the onset of the high-risk weather season,” he noted.
He added that there is a likelihood of thunderstorms, particularly in the south-west and southern interior, especially near the New South Wales border as Saturday approaches.
Looking into early next week, there may be a rise in showers and thunderstorms in the south-east, signaling a shift towards a more turbulent weather pattern for this region and parts of central Queensland.
Mr. Hanniffy attributed the storm activity to a trough moving eastward over southern Queensland and another system located in central Queensland.
“This will enhance atmospheric instability, leading to several days of showers and storms in the south-east,” he explained. “We cannot dismiss the possibility of severe weather during this time.”
As the public holiday approaches, persistent south-easterly winds along the North Tropical Coast are expected to decrease, resulting in better conditions for boating.
“In the week leading up to Friday morning, areas like the Cassowary Coast have seen daily showers,” Mr. Hanniffy said, attributing this to a strong ridge along the east coast combined with brisk south-easterly winds.
As the weekend progresses, the high-pressure system responsible for the showers and strong winds will weaken, resulting in lighter winds on Monday, thereby improving conditions for boaters.
Additionally, winds in the interior of Queensland are anticipated to calm down, which may temporarily lessen fire risks. Earlier this week, fire bans were imposed in parts of northern and central Queensland.
Mr. Hanniffy noted that regions not affected by storms would remain dry, while coastal areas might experience sporadic showers.
As spring advances, Queensland is experiencing warmer-than-average temperatures in the south and cooler-than-average conditions in the north.
Post-long weekend, average temperatures are expected to return. “In the southern interiors and inland south-east, temperatures are likely to be 2 to 5 degrees above average,” Mr. Hanniffy stated.
Conversely, northern regions are facing cooler temperatures for this time of year, particularly in the north-east where cloud cover and showers are present.
Fresh weather conditions are anticipated in the early mornings, with overnight minimum temperatures remaining below average. “Those venturing out in the early hours will notice a generally cooler atmosphere in the south-east,” he said.
However, temperatures are expected to rise for most areas as the week progresses.
