The latest from the Weather Bureau: Moreton Bay set for a hot weekend, sunny on Saturday and cloudy on Sunday

Weather Bureau announces La Nina for east coast: what can locals expect for the days ahead?

There are around six fewer rain days during springtime in Moreton Bay. Moreton, 14 October 2020, Source: Monash University.

In the days ahead Moreton Bay is forecast for a hot weekend in the mid-to-high 20s and a very high UV index.

There is a small chance of a springtime shower today - a phenomenon which is becoming a lot less common around the Bay.

In the 1970s, Moreton Bay saw about 27 rainy days during spring - with at least 0.5 millimeters in one day - but now only sees around 22 such rainy days.

A similar trend can be seen across Greater Brisbane - for instance, in Logan there are also five fewer rainy days now than in the 1970s.

Voices from your community

Gavin Dale is president of the Glasshouse Bushwalkers Club, and feels the weather has become less predictable.

"When I was going to school the storm season would produce storms regularly every afternoon," he explained.

"Now it's rare to have one, and when one does come it's more fierce.

"I'm more aware of the forecast before conducting activities."

Fast fact

Though rain is decreasing over the long term, Brisbane can expect a wetter-than-usual spring and summer, as a La Nina event was announced at the end of September by the BOM.

During La Nina, the east coast of Australia typically receives above-average rainfall, which could mean more tropical cyclones and increased flooding in Queensland.

Our last significant La Nina was in 2010-11, the wettest two-year period on record, and is linked to the 2010-11 Queensland floods.

Moreton Bay Regional Council provides resources on how the Moreton Bay community can prepare for potential extreme weather events.

Dr Christa Pudmenzky is a climate scientist at the University of Southern Queensland.

This column is part of a collaboration between Monash University and News Corp to deliver hyperlocal weather and climate information.

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