After the wettest March in at least 20 years for much of southeastern Queensland, the region is on alert again for another drenching, particularly on Easter Monday.

A trough will deepen rapidly off the east Queensland coast from Sunday. A number of low pressure centres are likely to develop on the trough and approach the Queensland coast on Monday, providing the focus for the heaviest of the rain. Some regions could receive upwards of 200-400mm as the trough system approaches the coast.

The image below shows the dramatic computer model differences in forecast rainfall, and highlights the challenges associated with predicting rainfall amounts in these east coast events.

Image: Forecast accumulated rainfall to 10am Tuesday 6th April showing large differences in computer model output

A low pressure system could also whip up strong winds and hazardous surf conditions on southern Queensland and northern New South Wales beaches on Sunday and Monday, further interrupting Easter plans.

Residents of eastern Queensland and northeast New South Wales should remain vigilant and keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings through the remainder of the Easter long weekend.