Brisbane wakes up to chilly morning as southerly change pushes dry air and cold winds

A QUEENSLAND city has recorded its coldest morning in more than three decades, with residents waking up to temperatures eight degrees below average.

Jenny McCullagh, 24, Brisbane City, rugged up for a cold Brisbane morning, James St, Fortitude Valley. Photographer: Liam Kidston.

TOOWOOMBA has experienced its coldest morning since 1978, with residents waking up to temperatures eight degrees below average.

While the mercury plunged to 2C, the weather bureau says the apparent temperature was closer to -3C.

Brisbane residents also woke to a chill in the air, which the weather bureau says is due to a southerly change bringing a combination of dry air and cold winds.

While it certainly feels like the coldest weather we’ve had all year, meteorologist Adam Blazak said the actual temperature was not the coldest so far.

“The apparent temperature this morning is a few degrees below the actual temperature recorded, and that’s because of the dry air and cold winds,” he said.

The recorded temperature in the Brisbane city this morning was 9.7 degrees, while the apparent temperature was 6 degrees.

Central Queensland also felt the cool change, with areas such as Winton experiencing temperatures as low as 1C.

“The cold weather especially for those parts of central Queensland is unusually cool this time of year, as central parts of Queensland are usually quite a few degrees warmer,” said Mr Blazak.

The maximum temperature for today is expected to reach 21 degrees, but Mr Blazak said it won’t feel quite that warm.

“It will feel cooler today, especially if people are around areas that are out of the sun and in a windy area,” he said.

The cold change is due to a high that’s currently sitting over the Great Australian Bight, and the good news is it’s predicted to shift over the next few days.

“The high is should shift over the Tasman Sea throughout late Friday and into early Saturday. This will bring somewhat warmer weather with increased humidity, and even some possible showers into the weekend,” said Mr Blazak.