Queensland weather: Communities shiver through coldest day in 35 years, 100mm of rain in parts

Some Queensland communities have shivered through their coldest July day on record while a rare weather event has seen more than 100mm of rainfall in some parts.

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July 5, 2022 - 9:59AM

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Parts of Queensland have shivered through their coldest July day on record as a rare weather event pours across the state.

A northwest cloud band is extending from Queensland’s far north into NSW, bringing widespread rain and an intense cold snap.

The weather system, which is linked to the Indian Ocean, is “unusual” according to the Bureau of Meteorology as they do not normally extend as far north as Cairns and Cooktown.

A rare weather event pours across Queensland, causing record cold temperatures and heavy rain. Picture: BOM

Monday is thought to have been the coldest July day on record for many Queensland communities, including Emerald where it got to just 11.5C, Gladstone (11.9C), Moranbah (11.5C), Maryborough (12.9C) and Maroochydore (13.4C).

Mackay is expected to record its coldest July day in more than 35 years, with the maximum reaching just 12.7 degrees at 3.40pm. The previous record was 13C set on July 29, 1986.

Toowoomba only got to 7.6C, possibly its coldest July day since 1984.

The Bureau of Meteorology will confirm the records at 9am Tuesday.

Mackay recorded the state’s highest rainfall total, with 106mm falling since 9am Monday.

Heavy falls were also experienced across the Mackay district, with 77mm at Finch Hatton, 55mm at Bells Creek and 72mm at Walkerston.

A total of 94mm was also recorded near Cairns.

The northwest cloud band extends from Queensland’s far north into NSW. Picture: BOM

Senior meteorologist Harry Clark said a number of Queensland areas were on track to record their coldest day of the year.

“Monday was probably the worst of it,” he said.

“Tuesday’ going to be quite cool, with a maximum of 16C forecast for parts of Brisbane.

“Tuesday will be another cold day; it’s not going to get worse but it’s probably not going to get much better till Wednesday.”

The following centres were expected to have recorded their coldest day of the year today

(to be confirmed at 9am Tuesday):

Sunshine Coast 13.4C
Brisbane 14.2C
Gold Coast Seaway 14.2C
Ipswich 13.1C
Gladstone Airport 12.4C
Townsville 14.8C

“There’s a good chance it will stay below those numbers. I’d be highly surprised if we didn’t see a couple of records break.” Mr Clark said.

It is only expected to get to 16C in Brisbane on Tuesday, with a high chance of showers. Only 10mm of rain has fallen across the city since 9am Tuesday.