Rain to dampen Ekka weekend plans as wet weather, winds and cool temperatures sweep across Queensland

Queensland is in for a rainy and chilly weekend as a large weather system moves across the state, bringing widespread showers, strong winds, and cooler-than-usual temperatures. A cloud band stretching over 3,000km from the Indian Ocean is interacting with a low-pressure system off the Queensland coast, which is expected to trigger significant rainfall across central and southern parts of the state.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) confirmed in a video posted on X that showers had already started Thursday morning, August 7, in western and central areas and would build across the east coast by the afternoon.

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Wet conditions are expected from Mackay southwards, including Brisbane.

Heavy rain forecast across Central Queensland

Central Queensland is likely to receive the heaviest falls, with local totals nearing 300mm in areas close to the low’s path. Cities such as Rockhampton, Gladstone, and Yeppoon could each record more than 50mm of rainfall.

Bundaberg may see up to 65mm over two days, while Hervey Bay is forecast to get 20mm on Friday and up to 50mm on Saturday.

Brisbane could face a wet start to the Ekka weekend, with 20mm of rain expected and winds reaching up to 30km/h. According to a Sky News report, the Gold Coast may see around 95mm of rain from Friday to Sunday.

Cooler days and wind warnings

The approaching system will also bring cooler temperatures. Thargomindah in the southwest is forecast to hit just 18°C on Friday, below its August average of 23.1°C.

The BOM has issued Coastal wind warnings for regions including the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, and Capricornia. Although hazardous surf alerts have been lifted, sea conditions are expected to remain rough into the weekend.

Residents are advised to keep umbrellas handy, stay updated on forecasts, and watch for localised flooding in high rainfall areas.