Forecast of huge soaking for FNQ

PLANS for outdoor activities will be disrupted after the Far North recorded rainfall of more than 100mm to start the week.

Kimba Wong, senior meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology, said heavy showers hit the region in the 24 hours to 9am on Monday, particularly in Cardwell with 117mm and Babinda Boulders with 102mm. Cairns recorded 24mm.

“We’re certainly looking at a series of wet days ahead,” Ms Wong said.

“We’re having some hefty rainfall totals come through.”

Tuesday is the start of the peak rainfall period this week and Cairns will have 45mm to 70mm with chances of thunderstorms.

On Wednesday, rainfall will rise to 60mm to 120mm before rapidly dropping to barely 1mm on Thursday.

Despite river catchment areas most at risk of flooding, Ms Wong said Cairns and greater inland areas are not in the clear.

“The flooding depends on where the heaviest rain ends up and there’s still uncertainty there,” she said.

Temperatures are also predicted to drop during the day and rise in the evening with warmer nights.

“Temperatures in Cairns will be in the high 20s which is cooler than they have been, the average maximum for May is 27 degrees,” Ms Wong said.

Warning residents to take care when out and about during heavy rain, Ms Wong said “if its flooded, forget it.”

“Check the radar if you’re planning outdoor activities,” she said.