Rainy few days make way for sunny Christmas

Christmas is looking like “beaches, creeks and pools” as Cairns awaits sunny skies and blazing temperatures for Christmas Day. Here’s what to expect.

Cairns is expecting a wet and miserable next few days as moisture from the South and Lows form the north hit the region. Picture: Brendan Radke

Christmas is looking like “beaches, creeks and pools” as Cairns awaits sunny skies and blazing temperatures on Christmas Day.

Scattered rainfall up to 70mm is expected to dump on the Cairns region over the next few days before temperatures heat up and clouds part.

Bureau of Meteorology community information officer Daniel Hayes said a southerly push from New South Wales brought moisture from the South East and could drench parts of the region into the weekend.

“We’ll start to see some rain and possibly storms developing Thursday afternoon,” Mr Hayes said.

“There’s been activity around but we should see some more widespread showers, rain and storm activity from overnight and into Friday.

“Friday is probably going to be our busiest and heaviest rainfall in and around Cairns we’re talking 50-70mm.”

Wet weather in Far North Queensland is expected to peak on Friday night before scattered showers hit through the weekend. Hunter Cairns, 9, rides his new bike through large puddles caused by heavy rainfall at Holloways Beach. Picture: Brendan Radke

Multiple lows sitting off The Cape are also threatening to turn into a Tropical Low.

A Tropical Low would bring heavier falls to the region but Mr Hayes said it would be a fast-moving system.

“One of those [lows] will potentially form into a Tropical Low either offshore or over land, that will slip south towards us but ultimately push out into the Coral Sea,” Mr Hayes said.

“So while that’s around, Friday or into Saturday, that may also have some impact on increasing the rain but it is expected to move into the Coral Sea …. a bit of the moisture will go with that as it moves away from the coast.

“So while we do still have showers and storms possible for Saturday and Sunday it should be easing off as that low moves further away.”

The easing conditions will come as a relief for locals who were inundated with flooding and extreme downpours this time last year during Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

In 2024, southern Queenslanders wore the brunt of the state’s wet weather during the December period, with Ipswich recording 200mm at Amberley and Beaudesert expected to reach major flood levels on Thursday.

Wet and miserable weather is expected to clear into the weekend, heating temperatures up. Christmas Day is expected to be 34 degrees with clear, sunny skies ideal for the beach and pool. Evie Roach, 7, her cousin Jacob Toth, 6, and brother Archie Roach, 10, were captured in winter making the most of the sun at the Trinity Beach from the shoreline. Picture: Brendan Radke

Mr Hayes said despite the wet weather over the next few days, the lead up to Christmas was looking perfect.

“At this stage, clear skies for the most part and we will start to see the temperatures warming up,” he said.

“Christmas Eve will be 35 degrees Christmas Day 34 degrees.

“So beaches, creeks and pools for Christmas Day.”

Originally published as Rainy few days make way for sunny Christmas