Queensland weather: Frosty mornings in store from Stanthorpe to Cairns

An 1800km frost blanket could stretch from the Granite Belt to the Far North this week bringing subzero temperatures.

An 1800km blanket of frost could stretch from Stanthorpe to the Far North this week bringing subzero temperatures to many parts.

The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting a cool, dry air mass to push north from Monday morning with widespread frost across the state.

Forecaster Shane Kennedy said towns across the Granite Belt, including Stanthorpe and Applethorpe, experienced “pretty chilly” temperatures on Sunday morning.

Mr Kennedy said apparent temperatures dropped to -2C, while much of Queensland would be 2-4C below average today.

Widespread frost is forecast for Queensland later this week. Picture: Chris McFerran

In Roma it was 1.1C while it was 5C in Toowoomba and 7C in Maroochydore.

“There was plenty of frost around this morning and it’s expected to get more extensive as the cool, dry air pushes north,” Mr Kennedy said.

“It’s likely to push into the Central Highlands, as far as Emerald and even up to Cairns by midweek.

“Most of the state will be 2-4C consistently, which is pretty standard for August.”

Southerly winds are expected from Tuesday for South East Queensland, with strong wind warnings possible and rain forecast for later in the week.

It could get to 0C in Stanthorpe on Tuesday, while it could get to 1C in Oakey.