Weather News

Records tumble during Queensland rain event

Ben Domensino, Wednesday August 24, 2016 - 16:22 AEST

August temperature and rainfall records have been broken across Queensland today, some of which have been in place for more than a century.

A veil of thick cloud looming over the state acted like a blanket last night, trapping in heat from the previous day. Brisbane only dropped to a low of 19.4 degrees, making it the warmest August night on record. Bundaberg also set a new August record with 20.2 degrees, almost 10 above the long term average.

With cloud often comes rain, and this was certainly the case for western and southern parts of the state last night and today. Widespread rainfall totals of more than 50mm were observed during the 24 hours to 9am today between about Blackall and Springbrook. The heaviest was 108mm at Palen Creek in the Scenic Rim region, while Mitchell's 62.2mm is a new record for this time of year. This is an impressive feat, considering data for the site stretches back into the late 1800â??s.

The unseasonal rain event is being caused by a broad trough of low pressure sweeping over Queensland from west to east. Relatively high levels of moisture and instability in the atmosphere are also helping to enhance the late-winter soaking.

Looking forward, the area of rain and storms will continue to spread through eastern districts tonight before moving out into the Tasman Sea with the trough on Thursday. Drier weather will return to most of the state tomorrow, along with cooler overnight temperatures under clearer skies.

- Weatherzone

© Weatherzone 2016

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