Sleet, fire danger, thunderstorms: Southern Downs residents told to brace for week of wild weather

With everything from a chance of snow to thunderstorms and even a fire risk in the forecast, this is what experts say is in store for the Southern Downs.

Experts say the Southern Downs is in for some wild weather conditions this week with fierce winds, showers and even a slim chance of snow driven by an unseasonal cold snap.

Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Helen Kirkup said there was a 30 per cent chance of a shower and thunderstorms on Tuesday as a cold front moves across the region.

She added that there was even a “very low” chance of snow, but warned against residents getting their hopes up.

“If we do get thunderstorms, tiny bits of small hail and sleet are more likely during the afternoon and evening on the southern border region and southeast corner of Stanthorpe,” Ms Kirkup said.

Warwick received 10mm of rain on Tuesday morning, with more falls expected across the region.

Southern Downs residents should brace for below average daytime temperatures, with gusty southerly winds creating dry and cool conditions.

Ms Kirkup said a much colder air mass would result in bitter -1C temperatures in Stanthorpe, with frost also predicted for Wednesday morning.

“It’s not that unusual because the air is quite dry, so that lets the temperatures drop down,” she said.

🔥Fire dangers increasing today and tomorrow as a trough moves across #QLDweather. 🌡️Hot temperatures and 🌬️dry, gusty winds ahead of the change. ⛈️Chance of a shower/thunderstorm in the far southeast. Details https://t.co/i5barOCQzM
Follow @QldFES advice https://t.co/FuyLlQpPvopic.twitter.com/zM2W5JiMsM

— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) September 19, 2021

Ms Kirkup said the cool and dry air moving through the southern regions would move up towards the Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders region.

A ‘very high fire’ danger rating is in place on Tuesday for inlands parts of the state including the Darling Downs, while the Northern Goldfields, Upper Flinders and Gulf Country regions have a severe warning.

The danger warning will remain in effect for at least 24 hours.