Big dry to start year

Downs towns break low rain records, but showers set to continue

QUEENSLANDERS have sweltered through the hellish heatwave, and many will be doing a rain dance as parts of the state have endured the driest start to the year on record.

The Bureau of Meteorology has revealed areas such as Toowoomba, Dalby, Goondiwindi, St George, Roma, Tambo and Gayndah have recorded the driest first two months of the year on record with the lowest amount of rainfall.

Meteorologist Nicholas Shera said there was a “stark contrast” between some areas in the state’s north which had recorded above average rainfall this year, compared to those in the south which had their driest few months yet.

But those locals in the south may hopefully see some respite soon as storm activity is expected to continue until Sunday, with showers providing relief for some areas.

“Some areas will get some good falls probably, and others will miss out, it’s going to be quite patchy,” Mr Shera said.

Southeast Queensland is expected to record on average a range of 5-20mm of rainfall today and the same again tomorrow.

The good news for Queenslanders is heatwave conditions came to an end on Wednesday although there will still be above average temperatures until Saturday.

“It will feel cooler because maximum temperatures will come down, but the humidity will stay the same,” Mr Shera said.

The bureau are also monitoring monsoon activity in the northern Coral Sea this weekend, but it’s too early to tell whether the system will develop further.

“The monsoon trough may strengthen to the north of Australia during the weekend, and a tropical low may develop in the monsoon trough over the far northern Coral Sea,” Mr Shera said.

“There is a large uncertainty in regards to its movement and development, we are monitoring it closely.”