A significant weather event is anticipated in northern Queensland, with heavy rain expected to commence tonight due to a slow-moving weather system. This system originated as Tropical Cyclone Maila earlier this month near the Solomon Islands, where it escalated to a category 5 cyclone before weakening into a tropical low.
As it approaches the Cape York coastline, residents from Mackay to Cape York should prepare for substantial rainfall, lasting for several days. Some areas might experience rain accumulation exceeding 100mm. Townsville, typically experiencing drier conditions in April, will be closely monitoring rainfall, with predictions suggesting a quick build-up in just a couple of days. The timing coincides with the scheduled NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Manly Sea Eagles, which will likely take place on a very wet field at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Despite the cyclone’s weakening, it continues to bring moisture to the region, with rain extending deep into the state, affecting towns like Longreach, Mount Isa, and Winton, which are expected to receive considerable precipitation. This is all part of a relatively wet spell for several areas in outback Queensland.
Conversely, south-east Queensland is likely to remain dry, with Brisbane forecasted to have clear skies and no rainfall through the rest of the week and into the weekend. While northern Queensland braces for heavy rain, those in the south will continue to face dry conditions after a year characterized by a persistent search for rain.