As the 2023 Royal Queensland Show, known fondly as "The Ekka" kicks off its festivities, all eyes turn skyward over Brisbane. Will the familiar chilly westerly winds or "Ekka winds", more prevalent during this time of year, make their presence felt at Ekka 2023?  

During winter and early spring, gusty and chilly westerly winds become more common in Queensland's southeast. These winds, driven by migratory high-pressure cells behind fronts, are well recognised by locals, particularly for causing cooler weather and stirring up dust at the Brisbane showgrounds. 

With the exhibition already underway this weekend, let's explore what's in store for the upcoming days. Leading up to Tuesday the 15th, we can expect bright and sunny days with warm westerly-to-northwesterly winds. These warm, dry winds will herald an approaching trough, distinct from the chilly "Ekka winds", and will push temperatures 3 to 6 degrees higher than normal for this time of year. 

Tuesday afternoon will bring a cooler shift as the trough moves through the region, possibly sparking thunderstorms later in the day. On Wednesday and Thursday, there may be ongoing cloud cover and showers due to a moist onshore flow and another trough. Both days will showcase cooler temperatures, settling in the low 20s—a contrast from the start of the exhibition. 

As we approach the conclusion of the Royal Queensland Show, Friday the 18th and Saturday the 19th will provide the best chance to witness the Ekka's recognisable gusty westerly to southwesterly winds. Temperatures on Friday will ascend to the mid-20s before gently settling in the low 20s, setting the stage for the Ekka's closing weekend under sunny skies. Winds will gradually taper off on the final day, Sunday the 20th.