Heavy rain and flooding in Queensland while southeast Australia feels the heat

16/01/2023

Issued: 3:30pm Monday 16 January 2023

Showers and thunderstorms continue across the tropical north, with heavy rain focused between Ayr and St Lawrence in Queensland.

A Severe Weather Warning is current for Heavy Rainfall that will cause flash and riverine flooding for coastal areas between Ayr and St Lawrence, and adjacent inland areas.

Minor, Moderate and Major Flood Warnings are current for multiple river systems across Queensland, and further warnings are likely in coming days.

Major Flood Warnings are current for the Don River and Pioneer River.

Daily rainfall totals are likely to exceed 200 mm, with isolated totals up to 400 mm possible.

Many roads are closed across Queensland, including the Bruce Highway in multiple sections.

Rain and thunderstorms will continue until Wednesday around the central coast of Queensland, while showers and thunderstorms continue across much of northern Australia and inland Queensland.

Rain and storms may ease later Wednesday as the trough weakens and moves northwards and offshore.

In the five days to 9am Monday (AEST), many locations have had 500 to 700 mm of rainfall with the highest totals including:

• 704mm at Mount Jukes, Qld
• 702mm at Upper Finch Hatton alert (483mm in 48 hours), Qld
• 663mm at Jubilee Pocket alert (554mm in 48 hours), Qld

In the 24 hours to 9am Monday (AEST), the highest falls in Queensland include:

• 392mm at Jubilee Pocket, Qld
• 378mm at Peter Faust Dam, Qld
• 318mm at Dittmer, Qld

More broadly over Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia, showers and thunderstorms are possible each day, which may produce flash flooding and localised disruptions.

Maximum temperatures will remain 4 - 8C below average for much of Queensland in coming days.

South-east Australia

It's a hot start to the week in south-east Australia before a cool change arrives mid-week, with showers and storms.

The Australian mainland will see temperatures in the high 30s to low 40s. This heat coincides with the Australian Open and the Tour Down Under.

Maximum temperatures will be 6 - 12C above average over a broad stretch of southern Australia on Tuesday.

Heatwave levels will also reach low intensity through much of southern inland Australia, with temperatures on Tuesday expected to reach 38C in Adelaide and 36C in Melbourne.

Residents and communities 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.

ENDS