Key Takeaways
- Queenslanders can expect severe thunderstorms and heavy, locally intense rainfall on Christmas Day, particularly in northern, central, and southern areas of the state.
- The heatwave warning for much of Queensland has been cancelled, with temperatures expected to cool down to the high 20s to low 30s across the state.
- A flood watch remains over western and north-western Queensland, with the bureau warning some rivers could rise and flood conditions develop over the coming days.
- The wet weather is expected to bring relief to the community, curbing fire danger and potentially leading to a good wet season.
- Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of "giant" hail and the number of hail days in a season for multiple Australian cities.
Introduction to Queensland’s Weather Forecast
Queenslanders have been given a mixed bag of weather conditions for Christmas Day, with easing heatwave conditions blighted by the possibility of severe thunderstorms. According to Senior Forecaster at the Bureau of Meteorology, Miriam Bradbury, the state can expect severe thunderstorms and heavy, locally intense rainfall, particularly in northern, central, and southern areas. However, south-east Queensland is looking less likely to experience these conditions, but residents are still advised to keep an eye on warnings. The good news is that the heatwave warning for much of Queensland has been cancelled, with temperatures expected to cool down to the high 20s to low 30s across the state.
Severe Thunderstorms and Rainfall
Severe thunderstorms are likely to occur on Christmas Day, with the possibility of heavy, locally intense rainfall. The weather bureau has warned that the conditions are looking less likely in south-east Queensland, but it’s still important for residents to keep an eye on warnings. The exception is the Darling Downs, Warrego far south-west, where skies might clear up, and temperatures might be slightly higher. The wet weather is expected to bring relief to the community, curbing fire danger that has seen "a fair bit of firefighting going on around here in the last couple of months". Residents are advised to stay indoors during the storms and avoid traveling unless necessary.
Heatwave Conditions and Temperature
The heatwave warning for much of Queensland has been cancelled, and temperatures are expected to cool down to the high 20s to low 30s across the state. The exception is the Darling Downs, Warrego far south-west, where temperatures might be slightly higher due to clearer skies. According to Ms. Bradbury, the temperatures will cool as a result of rainfall and cloud blocking the sun. The reprieve from the heatwave conditions is a welcome relief for residents, who have been experiencing high temperatures for an extended period.
Flood Watch and Wet Weather
A flood watch remains over western and north-western Queensland, with the bureau warning some rivers could rise and flood conditions develop over the coming days. The wet weather is expected to bring relief to the community, curbing fire danger and potentially leading to a good wet season. Residents in these areas are advised to stay indoors and avoid traveling unless necessary. The mail run in the state’s north has become a Christmas weather casualty, with Bec Climie, a mail collector, only able to deliver to 10 of the 38 properties along the Kynuna-McKinlay route due to wet conditions.
Climate Change and Hail Threat
A new study has found that the frequency of "giant" hail and the number of hail days in a season could increase substantially for multiple Australian cities as the climate warms. This is a concern for residents, who may experience more frequent and intense hail storms in the future. According to Ms. Climie, there is relief in the community, with the rain expected to curb fire danger that has seen "a fair bit of firefighting going on around here in the last couple of months". The community is hoping for a good wet season, and the forecast is looking promising.
New Year’s Eve Weather Forecast
The weather bureau expects it will not rain on New Year’s Eve celebrations, but cautions it is still too early to accurately predict. For New Year’s, the bureau is expecting more settled weather in south-east Queensland, with the possibility of dry thunderstorms around the far west and south-west. Most of the wet weather will be concentrated around the Gulf. Residents are advised to keep an eye on the forecast and plan accordingly. The possibility of dry thunderstorms and wet weather in other parts of the state is a reminder that the weather can be unpredictable, and residents should be prepared for any conditions.