Sunny conditions short lived with rain expected next week

The Bureau warns “to keep an eye on the radar” as sodden ground and saturated catchments pose flood risks despite sunny weather.

The persistent wet weather in Far North Queensland has finally cleared, giving way to sunshine and blue skies. Two year old Bonnie Crossman, from Mt Sheridan, enjoys the sunny day on the Cairns Esplanade, keeping the sun off her by using a parasol while out walking with her grandmother. Picture: Brendan Radke

Forecasters are warning people to “keep an eye on the radar” as sodden ground and saturated catchments pose flood risks despite the current sunny skies.

Cooped up locals can enjoy a hot and steamy weekend as clear skies bring high temperatures and sunshine to the Far North.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Jonathan How said residents could expect a reprieve from the wet for a little longer but warned saturated creeks meant conditions could change rapidly.

“For Saturday, we’ll see storms potentially moving over the coast so Cairns could see a thunderstorm on the Saturday… but we’re not expecting heavy widespread rain,” Mr How said.

“It’s clear mornings then that typical sort of showers and storms in the afternoon on both Saturday and Sunday.

“The message is that although it’s sunny where you are, it doesn’t mean the flood threat is over.”

The brighter conditions are a welcome relief for waterlogged communities, but a combination of clear skies and wet ground mean Cairns and the Cassowary Coast should expect a steamy few days.

The Bureau has forecasted high humidity and hot conditions throughout the weekend with Cairns peaking at a maximum of 34 degrees on Sunday.

Residents across Cairns’ western suburbs experienced this change in conditions first hand on Thursday morning, after recent temperature rises and excess moisture triggered a rare fog to blanket parts of Edge Hill and surrounding suburbs.

More wet weather will soon be on the way as strong winds push rain and storms across the coast next week.

“Early next week, we do see a bit of a stronger east to south easterly surge of wind pushing over the Cairns coast,” Mr How said.

“That means we will see more widespread shower and storm activity Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.”

Towns across the state’s north received record deluges in recent weeks.

Cardwell and Halifax south of Cairns experience record monthly rainfalls with January totals of 1500mm and 1700mm respectively.

The downpours destroyed bridges and cut stretches of the Bruce Highway, leaving Cairns without a steady supply of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Mr How said while rainfall wouldn’t reach the dramatic heights of last week, people should be careful if they were exploring the Far North.

“People should keep an eye on the radar and the warnings before heading out,” Mr How said.

“Even though the rain is over, there’s dangers out there with the flood waters.

“So keep an eye on that.”

Originally published as Sunny conditions short lived with rain expected next week