Drier, warmer conditions for the next three months predicted

THE weather bureau predicts a drier and warmer than average three months ahead.

The southeast can expect a “cracker of a weekend” with temperatures from 10-25C. Picture: Mark Calleja

IT’S A grim outlook for Queensland farmers, with the weather bureau predicting drier than average conditions for the next three months.

The El Nino-borne forecast coincides with what is naturally one of the drier times of the year in Queensland.

August to October is also expected to be warmer than average.

A large part of the eastern seaboard from about Proserpine to the NSW border, and west to about Cunnamulla, has only a 40 per cent to 45 per cent chance of exceeding median rainfall.

Most of the southeast and an area verging into central Queensland could expect up to 100mm of rain over the three months, with the wet Sunshine Coast to get almost double that. The rest of the state will have little more than showers.

Forecaster Jess Carey said the period heading into spring was a time most impacted by El Niño conditions.

EL NIÑO: Cyclones stump forecasters

“It’s no surprise that we get less spring rain in El Niño years,’’ he said. “But we should start getting storms in October at least in the southeast.

“It’s quite a poor outlook for those (already) in drought.’’

Mr Carey said an unusual tropical low in the Solomon Islands remained stationary but would have about a 20 per cent chance of forming into a cyclone tomorrow and Sunday.

Brisbane and the southeast would enjoy excellent winter conditions over the weekend.

“It certainly looks like a pearler,’’ he said. “Down to about 10C overnight and 23C to 25C during the daytime, with negligible winds. It looks like a cracker of a weekend.”