MEDIA RELEASE

Queensland has experienced its wettest spring in 25 years, according to rainfall statistics from the Bureau of Meteorology, with a few areas in the previously drought-stricken central highlands district receiving their highest spring rainfall on record.

The Bureau's Queensland Regional Director, Rex Falls, said the total August to November rainfall averaged across Queensland was the highest in 55 years, despite disappointing rain over much of the south-east since the end of September.

Mr Falls said the exceptional rainfall was linked to a developing La Nina, the positive phase of the slow see-saw of weather patterns and sea temperatures across the Pacific Ocean, which tipped in Australia's favour last June.

He said rainfall across Queensland had been enhanced by above-normal sea temperatures in the Indo-Australian region, together with the characteristic cooling of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean typified by La Nina events.

The wet spell began in August when an intense upper-level low brought widespread rain to most Queensland districts and broke several records around the drought-affected central coast and highlands.

The rains continued through September, with Brisbane topping its monthly average in just 24 hours with a fall of 44 millimetres and experiencing its wettest September on record.

Although rainfall in the south-east was scarce in October, wet weather has persisted through to the present across central and northern districts, with widespread near-record falls.

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For further information contact: Livio Regano, (07) 3239 8666

Latest monthly and 3-monthly rainfall maps for Queensland are available HERE.