Spring showers possible across parts of Queensland as bushfire risk remains high

Queensland enjoyed clear, sunny skies over the weekend, but the weather is set to shift as showers move onto the east coast from Tuesday. The Bureau of Meteorology said temperatures remained above average for this time of year, while fires continued to burn across central and southeast parts of the state.

A large grassfire near Gladstone was among the blazes facing emergency services. Police allege that the fire was deliberately lit. High pressure over the region is also trapping smoke near the ground, raising concerns that thicker smoke could form if the fires intensify. Residents have been advised to stay indoors and shut windows and doors if conditions worsen.

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The weather at the moment is dominated by high-pressure bridging, which is extending up to the east coast.

Meteorologist Denver Richter said the same high-pressure ridge was producing heavy morning fog in parts of Queensland, potentially lasting until the middle of next week. “If you find yourself driving in fog, definitely slow down, get your fog lights on and give each other plenty of space,” he said.

Rural Fire Service Queensland Chief Superintendent Shaun Toohey described the weekend as a high-risk bushfire period. Above-average temperatures and winds coming from the deserts west of southern Queensland were expected to produce winds of 20 to 30 kilometres per hour, with stronger gusts possible.

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If you find yourself driving in fog, definitely slow down, get your fog lights on and give each other plenty of space.

Toohey warned that slashing or mowing long grass could create sparks that quickly spread in the wind. He recommended carrying out such work late in the afternoon, when temperatures and conditions ease, or waiting until conditions improve altogether. Crews had spent the winter back-burning, and extra resources were positioned in the areas considered most at risk.

Showers should begin lightly on Tuesday, bringing a few millimetres of rain. Rainfall could increase to 3 to 10 millimetres in the southeast and as much as 20 millimetres on the north Tropical Coast from Thursday to Saturday as onshore winds strengthen.

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With those winds coming through, we're expecting them to be between 20 and 30 kilometres per hour, although that can obviously vary, with gusts exceeding those forecasts.