Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

 
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Showers and rain increasing in northern Australia and Queensland

29/11/2022

Widespread rain and thunderstorms are expected across northern Australia and will extend into much of Queensland this week.

Since 9am Monday, showers and thunderstorms developed over the Kimberley, Top End, Queensland, north-east New South Wales and Western Australia. Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for heavy rain and damaging winds.

The highest falls to 9am AEDT Tuesday include:

119 mm at Urannah, Qld

118 mm at Kenbula, Qld

101 mm at Glen Duh Road, Qld

95 mm at Craiglands, Qld

93 mm at Red Hill, Qld

88 mm at Trafalgar Station, Qld

83 mm at Ngukurr, NT (highest daily rainfall record for November)

81 mm at Jambin, Qld

77 mm at Merlin Mine, NT

69 mm at Eight Mile Mill, WA

Generally, rainfall of 30 to 60 mm was observed across the south-east and central Queensland coast, north-west Top End and north-east Kimberley.

The highest wind gust observed was 94 km/h at Telfer, Western Australia, on Monday evening.

For the rest of today, a weather system extending from the Top End, across the Gulf of Carpentaria and into south-east Queensland will trigger further rain and storms across large parts of northern and eastern Queensland and the Top End.

Moderate to heavy rainfall is possible, more likely across Queensland's eastern parts and the central interior.

Far north-east New South Wales may see shower and storm activity today, but with lower rainfall totals expected.

Rain will increase through south-east Queensland on Wednesday and into Thursday and showers and light rain will continue in north-east New South Wales.

Severe thunderstorms are possible this week with heavy rain and damaging winds being the main risks.

Heavy rain may produce localised flash flooding and river rises. Large hail is also possible.

Wednesday and Thursday are likely to be the wettest days this week around inland and the central Queensland coast. Areas of heaviest rain will be tied to thunderstorms, with totals of 50 to 100 mm likely each day in such areas, possibly more with severe storms. Coastal parts may experience periods of heavy showery rain with little thunder.

Showers and storms will clear through the Top End and much of Queensland on Thursday, however, a tropical low may develop over the northern Coral Sea or the Gulf of Carpentaria later this week, maintaining unsettled conditions across parts of Queensland's north-east tropical coast or the east coast over the weekend.

Flash flooding is possible with more intense storms and has already triggered moderate flooding at the Fitzroy River, Western Australia.

Flood Watch assessments will be carried out each day due to the risk of river flooding broadly over northern Australia.

Major flooding continues to impact many communities across inland New South Wales.

Minor to moderate flooding is ongoing across many rivers in New South Wales and Victoria.

A Major Emergency is ongoing for South Australia’s Riverland due to river level rises along the Upper and Lower Murray River.

Residents and communities living on or near any rivers, creeks, and streams or in low-lying areas should stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings via our website and BOM Weather app and follow the advice of emergency services.