Rain eases but set to return in south-east Queensland for long weekend
As Queenslanders prepare for a third consecutive long weekend, the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting increased shower activity and hazardous beach conditions over the break.
Heavy rain, flooding, and dangerous lightning in Queensland's south east forced the cancellation of some
Senior forecaster Felim Hanniffy said most parts of the state could expect a more "settled" start to the week before a return of wet conditions ahead of the Labour Day long weekend.
It was a rain-soaked Anzac long weekend in south-east Queensland.
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ABC News: Liz Pickering
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"In south-east Queensland, we may see another round of increased shower activity just due to the fact of another upper feature moving through," Mr Hanniffy said.
"Looking further ahead to next weekend, the focus of the rainfall shifts up to the north tropical coast where we could see some moderate rainfall amounts as well."
The weather bureau said the inclement weather would also lead to a slight cool change this week.
"Across parts of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt, we may see the overnight minimums drop down into single digits," Mr Hannify said.
A strong wind warning has already been issued for Gold Coast waters.
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ABC Gold Coast: Dominic Cansdale
)
Marine warnings for strong winds are in place on Gold Coast waters.
In flood-devastated western Queensland, moderate flood warnings for Eyre Creek, Cooper Creek, and the Diamantina River remain.
The bureau expected a coastal hazard warning would be issued by the weekend, and warned large waves and hazardous surf were on the cards.
"The south-easterly winds are going to be quite blustery," Mr Hanniffy said.
"
So for our boaties there's likely to be plenty of marine wind warnings and quite windy conditions along the coast.
"
Surf lifesavers are expecting a busy finish to the patrol season in Queensland.
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ABC News: Harriet Tatham
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Surf lifesavers busy
Along Australia's east coast, there have been a number of coastal deaths in recent weeks.
New South Wales recorded its
Earlier this month,
According to Surf Life Saving Australia, there have been 630 unpatrolled beach drowning deaths in the past decade, with more than 130 in Queensland.
Lifesavers are asking swimmers to stay between the red-and-yellow flags.
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ABC
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This weekend also coincides with the end of the patrol season for lifeguards and volunteers.
Surf Life Saving Queensland regional manager Darren Everard said he expected the third long weekend to be another busy one on Queensland's beaches.
"It doesn't matter whether it's been Rainbow Bay or Port Douglas in the north of the state, there's been great visitation and lots of families over the past two long weekends," Mr Everard said.
"
It's been a busy season and, sadly, we've had a few fatalities.
"
Volunteers at Broadbeach Surf Lifesaving Club on the Gold Coast.
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ABC Gold Coast: Jess Lamb
)
Mr Everard said the message was simple for all beachgoers.
"If you are planning on heading to one of our beaches in Queensland, make sure you visit our patrolled areas and swim between the flags," he said.
"If we can't see you, we can't save you."
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