Flash floods predicted for Warwick
TAKE note: if Weatherzone meteorologist Martin Palmer’s prediction for today is correct we will need more than gumboots and a sturdy ’brolly to stay dry.
Mr Palmer has forecast it will rain “cats and dogs” today as a low pressure system moves across the Southern Downs.
“We’re anticipating widespread heavy falls,” Mr Palmer said.
“The Warwick region could receive upwards of 80mm in the 24 hours to 9am tomorrow.
“In general the whole of the south east should get good rain, with the forecast being for wide spread falls with a chance of flash flooding.”
The Bureau of Meteorology yesterday issued a severe weather warning for our region as the system contracted over the Darling Downs and Granite Belt.
Pratten’s Eve-Ann Springate took heed of the advice, packing an umbrella as she took the precautionary move of stocking up on extra supplies.
“Farmers will laugh if they read I bought extra groceries,” she said.
“But I would love to see some steady soaking rain. We haven’t really had much in the way of worthwhile falls lately.
“Yet I know it won’t suit everyone – a chap down from me is trying to bale his lucerne today.”
The personable country woman briefly struggled with her umbrella for our photograph, light-heartedly admitting: “I haven’t had much cause to use it lately.”
For the Southern Downs, rain would be the perfect start to autumn after an “ordinary” summer.
Our region measured just 246.8mm during the past three-month period, just a smidgin above our annual average of 239.3mm.
“The Warwick region certainly hasn’t done as well as everywhere else as far as summer rainfall,” Mr Palmer said.
“Much of the south east has had an exceptionally wet three months.”
We didn’t break any temperatures record wise either, although it was our warmest summer since 2006.
Warwick’s summer minimums averaged out at just 0.2 degrees above our 17.3C norm, while maximums rose by 0.8 degrees above the historical average of 30.2C.
“Ironically it was hotter in August in Warwick, than it was in February,” Mr Palmer said.
“In August the mercury climbed to 33C, but for the past four weeks it has been more like 28.4C.”
Warning
BOM issued a severe weather warning for the Darling Downs and Granite Belt for the next 24 hours. The forecast is heavy rain with the chance of flash flooding.
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View Queensland weather warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology.
