Queensland weather: Subzero temperatures as polar blast hits

Severe weather warnings have been issued and widespread frosts predicted as a polar blast sends temperatures plunging. It could get down to as low as -2C. FULL FORECAST

Southern Queensland is set to cop an “icy blast” this week, with some parts to shiver through subzero temperatures bringing widespread frosts and severe weather warnings.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting freezing temperatures and strong winds following possible thunderstorms on Monday afternoon.

“A cold front is moving across the south eastern states, especially central and southern Queensland,” a BOM metrologist said.

A polar blast will sweep into southern Queensland from Monday afternoon. Picture: Weatherzone

“There is a high chance of some isolated showers as well as a thunderstorm on Monday afternoon.

“Once that moves a cold blast behind the storms with a southerly air flow will head across the state.”

BOM is forecasting “extensive frost” for most of the coast as well as central Queensland.

“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.

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.”

It could get down to -2C in Warwick on Tuesday. Picture: weatherwatch.net.au

BOM has also issued weather warnings ahead of the cold snap including one for sheep farmers in the Central West, Maranoa, Warrego, Darling Downs and Granite Belt districts.

“Cold temperatures and gusty winds may be hazardous to livestock, epically 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