Qld cold weather: Seven questions we’re all asking

Multiple flights have been cancelled and temperatures have plummeted – so what does it all mean for Qld?

Multiple flights have been cancelled and temperatures have plummeted as Queensland cops the edge of a super-sized “bomb cyclone” that is tearing into the NSW coast.

As Queenslanders woke to a second day of flight cancellations that continue to wreak havoc on school holiday travel plans, we look at the big questions we’re all asking right now.

What is an Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)?

IOD is a measure of the difference in sea surface temperatures across the equatorial Indian Ocean.

A negative IOD is when cooler-than-average water sits on the Indian Ocean’s western side, meanwhile warmer-than-average water sits on the eastern side of the ocean.

A positive IOD is the opposite of this pattern.

In Australia a negative IOD generally increases the likelihood of above average rain over large areas, while also promoting cooler days in the south and east.

What does the “bomb cyclone” mean for our daily life?

The bomb cyclone is disrupting daily routines, with people facing challenges in commuting due to flight cancellations and severe weather.

At least a dozen inbound and outbound flights between Brisbane Airport and NSW and the ACT were cancelled on Wednesday morning due to severe weather conditions battering NSW.

Flights in and out of Brisbane on Tuesday were also disrupted, with multiple cancellations to and from NSW destinations.

A Brisbane Airport spokesperson urged passengers to stay alert for any updates or messages from their airline.

Brisbane Airport is feeling the effects of cancelled flights to and from Sydney due to bad weather. Picture: Richard Walker

How cold is it actually getting?

Apparent temperatures in the southeast dropped dramatically, as the strong winds take effect, with gusts up to 56km/h recorded.

Toowoomba’s early morning low temperature of 0.7C fell dramatically to -5.5C when the strong westerly winds were taken into account, and the story was repeated elsewhere in the Darling Downs and Granite Belt region.

Applethorpe recorded the strongest winds, with gusts up to 56km/h, taking the temperature from 2.5C to a “feels like” apparent temperature of -3.4C.

Oakey’s 2.8C low felt more like -3.6C, with gusts up to 33km/h, while in Goondiwindi the 4.7C low plunged to an apparent temperature of -0.2C.

What should we do to stay safe and warm?

Residents are taking precautions by staying indoors, using extra layers of clothing, and ensuring their homes are well-insulated.

Community centres and local businesses are offering warm spaces for those in need.

Weather bureau meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said the major impact for southeast Queensland on Wednesday would be winds.

“We do have a severe weather warning current for parts of South East Queensland, most notably that’s for elevated parts of South East Queensland,” she said.

“The strongest winds and that risk of damaging winds is more likely about those elevated areas inland.

“So that includes the Main Range, the Granite Belt, Scenic Rim, early in the morning and continuing through much of the day.

“It’s going to be very windy across the southeast.”

What does it mean for families on school holiday?

Families are facing challenges as travel plans are upended, requiring them to find alternative activities or accommodations.

Parents are seeking creative ways to keep children entertained indoors. The disruptions are leading to unexpected bonding time and new experiences.

NSW’s east coast woke up after a night of destruction, with residents ordered to flee their coastal homes, countless trees and powerlines down and transport chaos via air, land and sea. But the weather threat was not over just yet, with the potential for more rain to fall on Wednesday.

Wind gusts of 124km/h were recorded south of Sydney overnight. Picture: Thomas Lisson

How are local businesses being affected by the weather?

Local businesses, especially those in tourism and hospitality, are experiencing a downturn due to reduced travel and foot traffic.

Some businesses are adapting by offering delivery services or special promotions. The weather is prompting creative solutions to maintain customer engagement.

What can we hope for in the coming days?

People are hoping for a break in the severe weather to resume normal activities and travel plans.

There is a sense of anticipation for warmer temperatures and calmer conditions. Many are looking forward to returning to their routines and enjoying the remainder of the school holidays.

Originally published as Qld cold weather: Seven questions we’re all asking