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Heavy rain is forecast for Far North Queensland from this weekend, to end a stifling two-week heatwave which has broken a record in Cairns.
The Bureau of Meteorology says Cairns Airport recorded its highest number of consecutive March days at or above 35°.
There were four successive days above 35° between 2 and 5 March, beating the previous record set in 2017, when the temperature climbed over 35° for two days.
This year, the mercury only briefly dropped to 32.6° before returning to 36.6° and 35.2° on 7 and 8 March with accompanying evening storms.
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The heatwave has prompted marine scientists to conduct surveys of potential coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef, as satellite observations from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration raised the alert level to 2.
It signals conditions are prime for significant bleaching and mortality.
However, BoM forecaster Shane Kennedy says relief is now on the way as a south-easterly wind surge moves up the coast.
“It will swing the winds around from the north northwest to the southeast and so it will be cooler,” he said.
“With that surge, showers will push in from the water.
“It will reach the North Tropical Coast on the weekend and is expected to remain fairly coastal.”
Only a week ago, Tropic Now learned the presence of black bugs could suggest rain.
The highest totals are expected around the Innisfail region, with up to 40 millimetres predicted on Saturday, followed by 90 millimetres each day for the following three days.
Cairns can expect totals up to 30 millimetres over a 24 period, however Mr Kennedy said there could be some isolated heavier falls.
“Sunday to Tuesday is when the ridge of high pressure is expected to be at its peak,” he said.
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“It’s looking pretty well established, at this stage looking to ease mid next week.
“But even a week from now, there will be some showers of 10-20 millimetres across the North Tropical Coast.”
Daytime temperatures are expected to be around the 32° mark, with nights cooling down to around 23°.
Main points
- Rain is forecast from this weekend across the North Tropical Coast and Tablelands
- Totals of up to 270 millimetres across 3 days are predicted in the Innisfail region
- Cairns Airport recently broke the record for the most consecutive March days above 35°
