Weather News

2009 likely to be a La Nina year and bring above average rainfall to northern QLD

Since October 2008 negative (-0.5 degrees) sea surface temperatures in the east and positive (+1 degrees) seas surface temperatures over the west Pacific Ocean have been observed. These current values in the upper-ocean heat anomalies indicate a La Nina event is likely in early 2009. Contrary to El Nino, La Nina leads to enhance convection over Northern Australia, bringing above average rain to the region, but might suppress convection and precipitation over southern QLD.

Since the first of January, Northern QLD and the NT have have good downfalls due to a near stationary Low and monsoon trough. In Queensland, the Lower Carpentaria has received between 200 and 440mm of rain. Mount Cuthbert have had 437mm, their heaviest four day accumulation in at least 6 years, and Riversleigh 376mm, highest in 4 years. Further south, the North Coast Herber has pick up up to 270mm with Paluma 270mm and Mena Vale 238mm. The East Central coast has also picked some good rainfall, Te Kowai has received 262mm and Ayr 200mm.

All in all more heavy rain is expected for the region in the next couple of days and above average rainfall is forecasted for the forthcoming months, leading to a very wet start

- Weatherzone

© Weatherzone 2009

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