Skies clear but hold on to the umbrellas

WEATHER conditions are expected to be relatively clear for much of the Easter long weekend across North Queensland but that may be the calm before the storm.

The Bureau of Meteorology expected rain last night with severe weather warnings declaring that up to 200mm could fall in parts of the Townsville region.

Forecaster Abiti Sharan said weather should ease later this afternoon but showers and isolated thunderstorms were still expected in Townsville, Ingham and Ayr today.

“Thursday should be mostly sunny with a slight chance of showers and that trend goes through to Monday,” Ms Sharan said.

“The shower activity should increase on Monday with winds increasing as well.”

The break from wet weather over the start of the long weekend will bring with it high temperatures; Townsville is set for tops of 33C for Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

A low- pressure system is expected to cross the coast late Sunday or on Monday and is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain.

“Watch out for a strong wind warning because of this low coming in,” Ms Sharan said.

“There could be strong winds for coastal areas.”

Townsville City Council acting Mayor Russ Cook said council was aware of potentially wild weather headed for the region.

“Council has been advised there may be significant rainfall across large areas of the Queensland coast on Monday – including Townsville – and we will continue to monitor weather predictions and patterns over the coming days,” Cr Cook said.