Rain finally fell across Bundaberg overnight after high temperatures and humidity levels had the region sweltering this week.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology Gin Gin received 21mm, Bundaberg 11mm and Branyan 15mm after the region's temperature peaked at 33.3 degrees on Wednesday.
BOM spokesperson Brooke Pagel said the sweaty conditions were due to a deep monsoonal trough in the far north drawing down tropical moisture to much of Queensland as it interacted with a second trough in western Queensland.
“The average for Bundaberg in February is 30 degrees so this week the region did experience above average levels,” she said.
“Interestingly, while the temperature last night was around 26 degrees the actual apparent temperature, also known as ‘feels like' temperature, was around 32 degrees.
“So last night felt 6 degrees hotter than it actually was which is due to the high humidity.”
Brooke said there would be a reprieve from the heat tomorrow with the region's mercury levels expected to lower to a maximum of 24 degrees.
“A southerly and gusty cool change is moving through the region, ending the humid and hot conditions,” she said.
“Temperatures for tomorrow will reach between the low to mid 20s, while on Saturday the mid to high 20s is expected.
“Gusty southeasterly winds will continue through the weekend with gusts of up to 40 km/h, easing on Sunday night.”
Paradise Dam reaches capacity
The recent and widespread rainfall has impacted many dams across the state including Paradise Dam, with Sunwater stating the capacity level was over 100 per cent.
“Paradise Dam is now spilling excess water. The storage level is 100.1% capacity and rising,” the statement reads.
“The Paradise Dam Emergency Action Plan has been activated and Sunwater is working closely with Bundaberg and North Burnett Local Disaster Management groups (LDMGs).
“We are monitoring the dam 24/7 and encourage the Bundaberg and North Burnet communities and downstream residents to:
- review their emergency plan and stay alert for further advice-download Sunwater’s app and follow Sunwater on Facebook and Twitter
- check Bundaberg LDMG’s Disaster Dashboard disaster.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/ for emergency news, road closures, and power outages
- tune into ABC Radio 100.1FM
- monitor forecasts and river levels at www.bom.gov.au-check the dam’s level at https://bit.ly/ParadiseStorageLevels
- If you are concerned about the immediate safety of you and your family, please contact triple zero (000).
Flood watch issued for local catchments
The BOM has also issued a flood watch for catchments including the Burnett River, Kolan River and Baffle Creek due to a trough over central and eastern Queensland.
Parts of the region are wet following recent rainfall, with showers and thunderstorms over the next few days expected to saturate catchments, which may lead to river level rises.
River level rises are expected, with minor to moderate flooding possible across the Flood Watch area from late Thursday afternoon.
To find out more about the Bureau of Meteorology's weather and flooding terminology click here.
The Bundaberg Region is expected to experience more rain overnight and into Friday, with 25mm to 60mm predicted.
There is the chance of a thunderstorm, possibly severe with heavy rain, and motorists are urged to drive to the conditions.
