Weather News

Southeast Queensland the target for heavy storms

Southeast Queensland will be the focus of the most intense thunderstorms on Monday, much like on Sunday, when flash flooding occurred.

There is potential for in excess of 50mm in any thunderstorm. The most likely area for these sort of falls is between Brisbane, the Darling Downs and the Gold Coast and over the New South Wales border, as far south as Grafton.

A lingering low pressure trough is maintaining high instability over the region, which had become increasingly humid over the last few days. The moisture in the air has potential to be rained out rather heavily in a short space of time, leading to significant flash flooding. This may make driving hazardous later today.

Potentially severe thunderstorms are also likely right along the NSW ranges and coast, due to the trough still hanging over the area.

On Sunday evening, severe storms rolled across the region, dumping a lot of rain in a hurry, bringing the heaviest rain to some parts since last months flooding. Archerfield in Brisbane gained more than 50mm in under an hour. Further north on the Sunshine Coast, Nambour received a massive 100mm in under an hour and ended up with 142mm.

Monday will be the last of the heavy downpours for a while due to the trough weakening significantly from Tuesday.

Only isolated and generally light falls are likely on Tuesday and Wednesday. There is a chance of an increase in rainfall on Thursday with potential for a trough to redevelop near the coast.

Keep up-to-date with warnings and storm forecasts at weatherzone.com.au.

- Weatherzone

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