How much rain Far North Qld is expecting
Cairns is expecting rain in the coming days as North Queensland braces for the impact of a new weather system in The Gulf.
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Cairns residents have been issued a ‘Stay Informed’ notice for the Cairns Region Council, warning locals a weak tropical low may form and gusts of 70-80kph could develop.
The Cairns Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) advised residents at 12pm on Monday, February 10, the low could form near the North Tropical Coast.
Gusts of 70-80kph could also develop overnight on Monday and into Tuesday, with severe thunderstorms also possible.
A spokesman from the local disaster management group said recent rainfall totals had saturated the Cairns region.
“Possible falls of rain of 30-60ml are forecast over the next few days,” he said.
“Mountain ranges and downward slopes may experience hazardous wind gusts causing possible tree damage.”
Road closures could also be impacted by tide movements, affecting parking in low lying areas near the coast.
After a “lucky lull” this weekend, Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Livio Regano said Cairns residents experienced drier conditions but with a new weather system forming in The Gulf, more rain was expected for the region.
“The rain is going to happen all over again I’m afraid, but more down towards Townsville where they really don’t need it,” he said.
“Cairns is expected to receive up to 60mm of rain in the coming days as North Queensland braces for the impact of a new weather system in The Gulf.”
Mr Regano said areas around Cassowary Coast saw the heaviest rainfalls.
“Across the weekend between Saturday and Sunday about 100 to 150mm was recorded,” he said.
With about another 60 to 70mm recorded in the last 24 hour period since Sunday evening to Monday morning.
“Cairns is expected to see between 30 and 60mm of rain today (Monday) and tomorrow (Tuesday),” Mr Regano said.
Meanwhile, Townsville is expected to get more than 100mm in the same period.
“The weather is expected to ease by Wednesday, though there’s still some uncertainty with the monsoon, so it’s best to stay alert for any changes,” Mr Regano said.
Brief bursts of heavier rainfall and thunder are also expected early this week.
“Temperatures will be near average, with highs ranging from 29°C today to 31°C on Wednesday,” Mr Regano said.
Low temperatures will stay between 24–25°C, making for humid nights.
As for storms, there will be some embedded thunderstorms within the rain, Mr Regano said.
“This will especially impact on the Tablelands and along the coast,” he said.
Most Far North Queensland rivers are either in minor flood or unaffected, with the Herbert River in Ingham being the exception.
The Tully and Murray Rivers are also under minor flood warnings.
The Bureau issued a minor flood warning for the Tully and Murray Rivers on Sunday February 9, just before 12pm.
The renewed warning was reported to hit around the peak at Euramo on the Tully River, in the Cassowary Coast Region.
A Bureau of Meteorology spokeswoman said additional rainfall over the coming days could raise river levels.
“The situation will be monitored with updates provided as needed,” she said.
“Minor flooding is expected to be occurring at Murray Flats on the Murray River, where river levels are likely to be falling slowly.”
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