Stanthorpe braces for weekend of rain, thunderstorms with above-average temperatures expected

Experts predict residents across the Granite Belt are in for a mixed bag of weather condition this weekend, ranging from warmer conditions and thunderstorms to ‘near freezing’ lows.

Experts say Stanthorpe is in for some varied weather conditions including rain, thunderstorms, warm and cooler temperatures predicted over the coming days.

Granite Belt residents are being warned to brace for rain, thunderstorms, and more with a wide variety of weather in the forecast this weekend.

The latest predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology indicate up to a 90 per cent chance of rainfall on Thursday and Friday, bringing up to 15mm each day to the Stanthorpe area.

BOM meteorologist Kimba Wong said north-easterly winds would bring warmth to the region along with the wet weather, with daytime maximums sit slightly above average at 16C.

“There will be some thick clouds pushing into the southwest moving over the Granite Belt on Thursday with light rain possible for late in the evening,” she said.

The most significant rainfall is expected on Friday in the Granite Belt with about 5mm to 15mm of rain forecast and a chance of thunderstorms for later in the day.

Ms Wong said the rain will “linger” around on Saturday and gradually clear off into the evening, with temperatures to drop to “near freezing” overnight.

She added that cloud cover would cause cooler temperatures and clearer skies heading into the weekend, with the mercury expected to dip back down to 4C on Friday before hitting 0C overnight on Sunday and Monday.

Predictions from online forecaster Weatherzone indicate the chilly temperatures will likely bring more frosty mornings to Stanthorpe, with a 70 per cent chance of light rain on Tuesday and Wednesday next week.