Queensland weather: What to expect this Easter long weekend

After days of drenching rain, conditions are looking better for the Easter long weekend but there will still be the risk of showers. COMPLETE WEEKEND FORECAST

Some showers are expected this Easter long weekend.

Tourists heading to Queensland this Easter can expect to get slightly wet this long weekend, with patchy showers on the forecast cards in all popular holiday destinations until next Monday.

The Bureau of Meteorology has released a “sun and showers” forecast over the four-day weekend, with a rainband expected to travel north until Friday before a high pressure ridge sweeps through creating windy conditions along the coastline.

Temperatures are forecast to remain in the high twenties and low thirties across the entire state, with Noosa, Mackay, Townsville, Cairns and Hamilton Island forecast to receive the final spout of heavy falls on Thursday, receiving around 10-15mm.

From Friday onwards, scattered shower activity will reduce to 1-5mm, with the exception of Cairns which will see up to 20mm.

RACQ has also warned motorists to avoid travelling between 10am and 4pm on Thursday and Friday wherever possible, as this is when major roads and motorways are expected to see the heaviest congestion.

Senior Meteorologist Steve Hadley said grey skies and heavy falls would disappear by Friday, but patchy showers would remain over the weekend.

“The good news is it’s likely to be gone by Easter in most of the South East but we’re still going to see showers around the east coast along the weekend,” he said.

“There’s still a whole lot of moisture left in that cloud band and Ex-Tropical Cyclone Megan is a contributor to that.

“There will be patchy showers on the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Scenic Rim and Toowoomba from Thursday onwards, while widespread showers remain in Wide Bay Burnett and Capricornia until Friday as the cloud band retreats.

“It will then move offshore on Friday but resident wet season moisture will remain in the north with scattered light showers south.”

Showers are expected across parts of Queensland this Easter long weekend. Picture: ventusky

Those holidaying along the central and east coast, particularly the Whitsundays, have been warned of strong winds and poor sailing conditions, as a high pressure ridge develops over eastern Queensland.

The ridge will help keep temperatures down, with maximums expected to remain below or at March averages throughout.

“With the ridge pushing up that’s going to be clearing away some of the moisture from Townsville and Cairns which is why we see the reduction in rain activity from Saturday,” Mr Hadley said.

“It will also lead to strong winds over the South East coast and it means it won’t be that pleasant for sailing, but Sunday and Monday look better.”

Northern holidayers can expect regular wet season conditions to remain with Cairns forecast to see 20mm on Friday and another 15mm on Saturday.

“Cairns is going to be a big holiday hotspot and the showers are going to take a little while to retreat there, Friday will be the last day of heavier rain before it starts to decrease,” Mr Hadley said.

“We do still have a lot of flood watch alerts out so please plan ahead, check for road closures on the TMR website and if you’re going camping, be prepared for a shower or two on the coast.”

Surfers will see 1-1.5 metre swells on Friday along the South East, with high winds not expected to create hazardous conditions.

Meanwhile, RACQ has revealed the worst days to be on the roads this weekend, with heavy congestion expected on the Pacific Motorway, Gateway Motorway and Bruce Highway.

“On Thursday and Good Friday, typically between 10am and 4pm, will likely be the busiest times on the road,” a spokesman said.

“Delays are also likely on Easter Monday and Tuesday as people return home after the long weekend.

“If you want to avoid possible delays, aim to hit the road earlier in the mornings as long as you’re well rested.”

RACQ reminded drivers to factor in extra journey time due to ongoing roadworks, and to manage fatigue with breaks every two hours.

“On road trips, many people drive on roads they are unfamiliar with, and they are often driving for longer distances, so it’s really important to make sure you are well rested, taking at least a 15-minute break every two hours, not driving more than around eight hours per day, and paying your full attention to the road and the conditions,” the spokesman said.