Showers bring 'awkward' end to long weekend across south-east Queensland

Rain and potentially severe isolated storms are forecast to bring a messy end to the long weekend across south-east Queensland, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. Weather conditions in the northern coastal regions should remain mostly pleasant, with temperatures climbing into the high 20s. However, maximum temperatures of up to 38C are predicted for the west, with isolated midweek storms still possible.

The long weekend marked the final stretch of calm weather for south-east Queensland, according to senior BOM meteorologist Shane Kennedy. Showers and possible thunderstorms are expected to gradually spread from southern Queensland across the state beginning Monday. Initially, the storms will likely be limited to the southern interior, with a few thunderstorms possibly emerging in the western suburbs of Brisbane later on Monday.

Meteorologists anticipate that the storms will intensify during Tuesday, presenting a somewhat inconvenient return to school and work. Isolated severe thunderstorms could also occur in the south-east on Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by drier conditions by Friday. In Rockhampton, temperatures will peak at 33 degrees on Wednesday before showers arrive in the afternoon or evening.

The northern coast will generally enjoy fine weather, with maximum temperatures in the late 20s. Isolated storms remain a possibility mid-week for western Queensland, including locations like Longreach and Mount Isa, where temperatures may still soar to a maximum of 38 degrees Celsius.