Qld weather: South East shivers as winter temps strike

South East Queensland has woken to its first taste of the “cold blast” set to hit the region, with apparent temperatures dropping to a bitter -4.2C in places.

South East Queensland has woken to its first taste of a “cold blast” with apparent temperatures dropping to a bitter -4.2C on the Darling Downs.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting freezing temperatures and strong winds following possible thunderstorms on Monday afternoon, with predicted widespread frosts and severe weather warnings already issued.

On Monday, temperatures were hovered close to zero in multiple areas, with Oakey on the Darling Downs getting down to -0.9C, but the apparent – or “feels like” – temperature was -4.2C.

Other places in the Darling Downs and Granite Belt to experience subzero apparent temperatures included Stanthorpe at -2.7C (actual temperature, 2.5C), Toowoomba at -2.6C (actual temperature, 3.5C) and Dalby at -2.2C (actual temperature, 0.5C).

Meteorologist Ken Kato said the lowest temperatures hit about 6.30am, with Applethorpe’s apparent temperature recorded at -2.8 (actual temperature 2.1).

🥶Brrr, why so cold in southern Qld this morning? The chart tells the story, with a cold front (and a few storms) moving through yesterday evening. A cold, dry and blustery SW'ly wind persists in its wake, spreading into northern Queensland tomorrow, so rug up! pic.twitter.com/LEc4cKubAV

— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) May 7, 2023

Closer to the coast, Brisbane woke to temperatures around 10.9C, with a “feels like” temperature of 7C, with the Gold and Sunshine coasts, slightly warmer at 11.8C and 11.3C respectively.

Bureau meteorologist Helen Reid said the cold snap is due to a cold front system and a deep low pressure system moving up through the state.

“These temperatures are not normal, but it does happen,” she said.

Ms Reid said lower level clouds are normally like a blanket, but the lack of cloud cover this week will allow the heat of each day to escape.

The Bureau is forecasting “extensive frost” for most of the coast as well as central Queensland this week.

“Mornings will be very brisk and there will be extensive frost around for much of the week for the southern and south east interior,” a meteorologist said on Sunday.

While the cold temperatures aren’t unusual for this time of year according to BOM, the recent significant cold outbreaks are being experienced earlier than usual.

“This time last year there was significantly more rain around and a lot more moisture in the air, so it definitely is a lot cooler compared to this time last year.”

Weather warnings have been issued for sheep farmers in the Central West, Maranoa, Warrego, Darling Downs and Granite Belt districts, with cold temperatures and gusty winds potentially being hazardous to livestock, especially young lambs.

“There is a risk of losses of lambs and sheep exposed to these conditions,” the warning said.

The cooler change is set to dissipate by Wednesday with temperatures warming up and stabilising well into mid May.

“Milder temperatures will be experienced overnight. Patchy frost will still be around but are unlikely and there will be a greater chance of shower activity.”

QUEENSLAND FORECAST

Brisbane

Monday: Min: 10C, Max: 22C

Tuesday: 7, 23

Wednesday: 11, 24

Thursday: 13, 23

Friday: 14, 24

Saturday: 14, 24

Gold Coast

Monday: 10, 22

Tuesday: 8, 22

Wednesday: 13, 23

Thursday: 14, 23

Friday: 15, 23

Saturday: 14. 24

Sunshine Coast

Monday: 9, 22

Tuesday: 8, 21

Wednesday: 10, 23

Thursday: 13, 22

Friday: 15, 23

Saturday: 14, 22

Toowoomba

Monday: 5, 14

Tuesday: 3 17

Wednesday: 5, 19

Thursday: 8, 18

Friday: 9, 18

Saturday: 10, 19

Stanthorpe

Monday: 1, 12

Tuesday: -1, 18

Wednesday: 3, 19

Thursday: 6, 18

Friday: 8, 18

Saturday: 8, 18

Warwick

Monday: 2, 16

Tuesday: -2, 20

Wednesday: 3, 20

Thursday: 9, 21

Friday: 9, 21

Saturday: 7, 21

Oakey

Monday: 2, 17

Tuesday: -1, 19

Wednesday: 2, 22

Thursday: 6, 21

Friday: 7, 22

Saturday: 7, 22

Gympie

Monday: 8, 23

Tuesday: 4, 23

Wednesday: 6, 24

Thursday: 11, 23

Friday: 12, 24

Saturday: 13, 24

Mackay

Monday: 17, 25

Tuesday: 11, 22

Wednesday: 12, 24

Thursday: 17, 24

Friday: 18, 25

Saturday: 18, 25

Rockhampton

Monday: 14, 24

Tuesday: 7, 23

Wednesday: 9, 26

Thursday: 14, 25

Friday: 16, 26

Saturday: 16, 26