Warm weather, storms forecast

THE warm, sunny weather of yesterday and today will be followed by the chance for heavy rain tomorrow, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

BOM meteorologist Shane Kennedy said above average temperatures would be felt over the Darling Downs today ahead of a surface trough, with the maximum temperature reaching 23 degrees.

Mr Kennedy said showers and thunderstorms had moved into into southwest Queensland last night and would continue to come across throughout today.

“Moderate to locally heavy falls are possible, with some parts of the west and southern interior potentially picking up their August monthly average rainfall within a day,” Mr Kennedy said.

“Today, a widespread area in the southwest is likely to receive between 10-30mm with a few locations potentially getting 40mm or more.

“On Friday, the focus is shifting into the Maranoa and Warrego districts and into the Darling Downs, with a widespread area likely to receive between 10-30mm with a few locations potentially receiving 40mm or more.”

Mr Kennedy said there was a risk of a severe thunderstorm in the southwest today and in the Toowoomba region tomorrow afternoon and evening.

“The most likely hazard is damaging wind gusts, with a smaller risk of heavy rainfall and large hail,” he said.

The BOM is predicting east to north-easterly winds to reach 20 to 30 km/h tomorrow, becoming lighter during the evening.

Temperatures are set to reach a top of 17 tomorrow.