Far North Queensland drenched while rest of state faces dry spring
Some far north Queensland received up to close to six times its average September rainfall, while the rest stayed dry.
Far North Queensland spent September under continuous showers while the rest of Queensland remained parched. Cairns Airport recorded just under 97 millimetres for the month; its average is 34mm.
Innisfail received up to 300mm, nearly three times normal. Kowanyama recorded nearly 15mm, close to six times its average of 2.4mm.
A persistent ridge along the coast kept the north cool and wet. Some areas recorded their lowest average maximum temperatures for September in over 20 years.
Cairns Airport's mean maximum of 27.8 degrees was its coolest since 1994. The wet conditions are expected to continue through spring in the far north.
Above-average sea surface temperatures mean the region faces above-average rainfall in the wet season with increased cyclone severity. The wet and cool weather has slowed production for far north Queensland growers.
Banana flowering and avocado flowering have both run late, holding back crop development.
- 97mm vs 34mm average
- Cairns Airport rainfall
- 300mm, nearly three times normal
- Innisfail rainfall
- 27.8 degrees, since 1994
- Coolest September at Cairns
- Felim Hannify
- Forecaster
Why it mattersAbove-average ocean temperatures increase the risk of severe tropical cyclones forming in the region, with higher potential for damaging storms.
AustraliaFar North Queensland farmers face delayed harvests and slower growth from the prolonged wet conditions, while above-average sea temperatures point to a stronger wet season and higher cyclone risk for the state.
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