Monday 3rd April, 2006

MEDIA RELEASE - QUEENSLAND REGIONAL OFFICE

Monsoon brings March rainfall to northern Queensland while parts of the south miss out

An active monsoon over northern Australia contributed to well above average March rainfall totals over northern Queensland and parts of western Queensland, with some places breaking previous records for March.

The monsoon triggered the development of Severe Tropical Cyclone Larry, which caused significant damage to the coastal region surrounding Innisfail and the Atherton Tablelands, as well as flooding rainfall to the Gulf Rivers.

Places with new record March rainfall totals include:

Kamilaroi Station (near Cloncurry), with 581.4mm compared to an average of 86mm (the highest in 108 years of record);
Miranda Downs Station (near Normanton), with 378 mm (average 145mm, 98 years of record);
Daintree Tea with 1697mm (average 750mm, 41 years of record), and
Jochmus (near Barcaldine) with 249mm (average 58mm, 37 years of record).

Rainfall over southern Queensland and parts of the southwest was generally below average. The areas that missed out on the rain were generally south of a line from Rockhampton to Quilpie, though there were some exceptions in this broad area. The places in the south that fared better tended to be on the coastal fringe or those that were affected by isolated thunderstorms.

Quilpie received just 0.6mm for the month, compared to an average of 39mm. Emerald recorded 16.4 (average 69mm), while Surat picked up 127.6 mm (average 58mm).

Daytime maximum temperatures did not vary significantly from average, apart from some cooler pockets influenced by monsoon rains in the north, and some warmer parts in the far south.

Overnight minima were close to average or warmer, with the warmer nights especially in the far southwest.

For further information, please contact Ann Farrell on (07)32398660.
After-hour enquiries should be directed to the senior forecaster on (07)32398750.

The latest temperature/rainfall maps and seasonal outlooks for Queensland are available at
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/austmaps/
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/ahead/

World Wide Web www.bom.gov.au
Weather by Fax 1800 630 100 [Free Call Directory]