Qld weather: Wet, windy weekend for South East

South East Queensland is being warned of strong and gusty winds that will send temperatures plummeting over the next four days.

Queenslanders have been warned about strong winds and showery conditions across what will be a long weekend for some people.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s Felim Hanniffy said a large high pressure system moving across the south of the country into the Tasman Sea would enhance wind flows along the east coast.

“The south-easterly winds are really picking up today and that’s going to bring temperatures below average for the next few days,” Mr Hanniffy said.

Mr Hanniffy, a senior meteorologist, said the South East would experience temperatures in the mid-20s,

“For Brisbane we generally have a chance of showers trickling along the coastal fringe,” he said.

“In terms of early next week, that shower activity could pick up as well and spread inland on Monday and Tuesday.”

Wild winds are forecast for South East Queensland over the next four days. Picture: Windy

Mr Hanniffy said showers were more likely in the afternoon on Tuesday.

“Those showers may just hold off for the dawn services,” he said.

Mr Hanniffy said weekend showers would be heavier on the Sunshine Coast.

“Whereas for Brisbane they are more confined to the offshore islands,” he said.

Mr Hanniffy said wind speeds along the coastal fringe could reach 40km/h, and 30km/h inland to the coast.

A strong wind warning is active Friday for Peninsula Coast, Cooktown Coast, Cairns Coast, Townsville Coast, Mackay Coast, Capricornia Coast, Hervey Bay, Fraser Island Coast, Sunshine Coast Waters, Moreton Bay and Gold Coast waters.

On Saturday the warning will extend to south east Gulf of Carpentaria, north east Gulf of Carpentaria, Peninsula Coast, Cooktown Coast, Cairns Coast, Townsville Coast, Mackay Coast, Capricornia Coast, Hervey Bay, Fraser Island Coast, Sunshine Coast Waters, Moreton Bay and Gold Coast waters.

“Cloud cover will also be quite prominent towards the end of this week and going into next week,” Mr Hanniffy said.

“Showers will be pretty fast moving and extending a bit more inland at the start of next week,” he said.

Mr Hanniffy said northern parts of Queensland can also expect strong south-easterly winds, with showers increasing into the second half of the weekend.