Australia -- Queensland Weather Update

MELBOURNE - Oct 1/07 - SNS -- The current forecast for the state of Queensland was released by Australia's Bureau of Meteorology.

IDQ1070001
WARNING SUMMARY
A strong wind warning is current for coastal waters between Torres Strait and
Cardwell.
STATE FORECAST
for Monday night and Tuesday
Showers developing along the tropical east coast, tending to rain areas
overnight, with some moderate falls possible between about Cooktown and Ingham.
Isolated afternoon showers and a thunderstorm or two possible over the tropical
interior today. Patchy light rain extending over eastern parts south to about
Bundaberg on Tuesday. Fine elsewhere. Moderate to fresh SE winds along the east
coast north of Mackay. Elsewhere, mostly moderate S to SE winds.
EXTENDED OUTLOOK
On Wednesday, the upper level low over the tropics will weaken and move off the
Central coast into the Coral Sea, with showers and SE winds easing along the
tropical coast, and conditions becoming or remaining fine over the remainder of
Queensland. A new surface trough will enter the far southwest of the state and
move eastwards during the day. Weak instability over the southeast is not likely
to be enough to result in any shower activity. Warm northerly winds ahead of the
trough may cause increasing fire dangers over central and southern interior.
Gusty SE winds behind the trough may cause some raised dust areas over Channel
Country on Thursday.
The new trough will push northeast and stall from about Mt. Isa to southeast
corner on Thursday, with weak instability leading to some chance of isolated
afternoon showers or thunderstorms, although relatively dry air in the low
layers will severely limit the chances of this activity occurring, particularly
about the southeast coast where it is more likely to remain fine. Isolated
showers continuing about the far northeast tropical coast. Slightly warmer than
average minimum and maximum temperatures are expected throughout the state
during the week.
On the weekend, a stronger upper trough and surface cold front will approach and
enter the west of the state. Ahead of this system, hot northwest winds will
develop through most of the south of the state, with increasing fire dangers.
This system is likely to be accompanied by some high cloud, but it is unlikely

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STAT News Service