With the wet season just around the corner the Bureau of Meteorology predict near-average rainfall for the coming wet season and above-average maximum and minimum temperatures likely across the Mount Isa region.
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Climatologist Greg Browning from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology said the current climate outlook, which covers the October-December period, suggests a dry start to the wet season across much of Queensland.
“Mount Isa, however, looks to have about 50-50 odds of average rainfall during that three-month-period,” Mr Browning said.
“So, it seems likely to see near-average rainfall for the coming wet season, maybe leaning to slightly below average, but not strongly so, and temperature-wise, above-average maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be experienced.”
Mount Isa, however, looks to have about 50-50 odds of average rainfall during that three-month-period.
- Climatologist Greg Browning
“There is an above-average chance of El Niño developing in the next month or so, and this means below-average rainfall for parts of northern Queensland during summer however, Mount Isa looks to be just south of where the largest rainfall deficiencies are typically observed.
“Beyond that timeframe, the main climate driver which should be considered is El Niño,” he said.
The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) status is the primary climate influence.
El Niño occurs when the sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become considerably warmer than average weakening, or even reversing the prevailing trade winds.
“Another big factor, which is related to ENSO, is the likelihood of tropical low/cyclone development.”
Mr Browning said inland locations like Mount Isa can receive a very significant proportion of their wet season rainfall if a tropical low moves near the area.
“As well as tropical lows, the wet season is a time of severe thunderstorms and flooding. People in the region need to be aware of the weather conditions and stay up to date with forecasts and warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology.
“Likewise, they need to heed messages from Emergency Services about any potential weather hazards,” he said.
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