Cairns and Far North Queensland residents brace for a week of persistent rain

Cairns and the Far North is bracing for prolonged persistent rain after more than 400mm was dumped on Tully since Thursday. Here’s what to expect and how it could impact the region.

As the wet season intensifies, Cairns and the Far North are bracing for a week of persistent rain. Here’s what to expect and how it could impact the region. Picture: Brendan Radke

Residents of the Far North should prepare for a week of persistent rain, after more than 400mm was dumped on Tully since Thursday.

The Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Felim Hanniffy said despite the absence of a monsoon trough, the region would still experience significant rainfall.

“Significant rainfall totals had been recorded in various locations in the past four days,” he said.

The Wet Season brings tropical rainstorms to Cairns. Picture: Supplied.

“Notable rain totals include 445mm in Tully, 311mm in the Daintree region, and 203mm at Cairns Airport.”

Mr Hanniffy said there isn’t a defined monsoon trough across the northeast tropics.

“Instead, the monsoon activity is expected to focus more on the Northern Territory and Western Australia,” he said.

He explained the increased monsoon activity is driven by the Madden-Julian Oscillation and the Rossby Waves returning to northern Australia.

Two women walk along Spence Street in the pouring rain, sheltering under umbrellas, as unrelenting wet weather to Cairns. Picture: Brendan Radke

Both the MJO and Rossby waves play significant roles in shaping weather patterns and can interact with each other, influencing the distribution and intensity of rainfall.

Recent dry spells have left catchments sensitive, meaning they are likely to respond quickly to the incoming rain.

“The first half of the week will be particularly wet, with daily rainfall potentially reaching 200mm in some areas,” he said.

“The Daintree and Cassowary Coast are expected to see the heaviest falls, with localised pockets of heavy rain possible.

“Cairns, along with areas from Rollingstone to Cooktown, could also experience significant rainfall, with the potential for localised heavy falls due to thunderstorms and other

local influences.”

In the past four days, Cairns and the Far North experienced significant rainfall, contributing to the wet conditions expected to persist. Picture: Brendan Radke

The Bureau is reminding residents to stay informed about weather updates, as minor flood warnings have already been issued for some rivers.

“There is a minor flood warning for the Tully and possibly other rivers, however, the focus of any main rainfall will be more coastal and the escarpments near the coast as well,” Mr Hanniffy said.

“We’re not expecting heavy falls extensively over the Tablelands, but coastal catchments are likely to respond to the persistent rain.”

Additionally, a weak tropical low forming in the western Gulf could increase rainfall on the southern Gulf Coast, though it is not expected to develop into a tropical cyclone.

Originally published as Cairns and Far North Queensland residents brace for a week of persistent rain