More rain is on the way

DON'T hang up the umbrella just yet, as more rain is expected to hit the Mackay region in the coming months due to the strong La Nina system.

DON’T hang up the umbrella just yet – more rain is expected to hit the Mackay region in the coming months due to the ever-present La Nina system.

With more than 1200mm of rain having fallen in the Mackay region since November, it would seem Mother Nature has given her all.

However, Bureau of Meteorology climate scientist Tamika Tihema believes there is a probability we will receive a lot more rain in the coming months.

“As part of our three-month outlook of February to the end of April, the rainfall in the Mackay region will be more than the seasonal average,” Ms Tihema said.

“There is a 75 per cent chance of having much more rain yet to come ... receiving an estimated 566mm of rain during the months of February to April.”

Flooding and cyclones have caused havoc in Queensland since Christmas but with a weakening La Nina system, these dangers are slowly becoming less likely.

Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Matthew Bass is looking closely at the slowly expanding puddle that is Mackay and our rainfall outlook.

“It doesn't look as if there are any potential flooding rains for Mackay in the next couple of weeks,” Mr Bass said.

“Of course, we are still in the cyclone season so there is the chance of more cyclones reaching the coast.”

In September, 2010, up to seven cyclones were predicted to hit the eastern coast of Australia during this wet season, with four having crossed the Queensland coast so far.

With an upper level low in the Coral Sea, showers and isolated thunderstorms will hit the coast during the week.

Today, that low will start to weaken and ease in intensity.

“This La Nina system has been the strongest on record, looking at the amount of rainfall and weather activity this season,” Ms Tihema said.

“There are clear signs that this system has already reached its peak and so now is easing down.”

Rain Facts

A 75 per cent chance of receiving more than 566mm of rain from February to April

Up to 1700mm is expected to fall in the Mackay region from November to April

Expect thunderstorms and isolated showers in the region until the end of the week

Originally published as More rain is on the way