Qld shivers through bitter cold snap

The Sunshine State is bracing for a well below July average cold snap, as temperatures drop to the lowest they’ve been on record at this time of year.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned residents in southeast and central Queensland of frosty mornings as single-digit temperatures are forecast throughout July.

“Another chilly day is expected across Qld, very cold in the east.” the bureau said.

“Rain continuing along the east coast, easing later today.”

Official bureau records have confirmed Toowoomba will be hit with icy 7 degree temperatures after 3.30pm on Tuesday, while Bundaberg and Rockhampton expect 12 degrees.

Conditions in Gladstone and Townsville will dip to around 12 degrees, while Brisbane residents will feel a warmer 14 degrees.

The bureau is predicting Mackay to record its coldest day in 35 years, with a top temperature of just over 13 degrees expected at 3.30pm on Tuesday.

Mackay has also recorded the highest rainfall in the state, with 114mm pouring down in the region.

The bureau said Queenslanders could expect to see frost in the mornings, but due to a “very dry air mass” there was no chance of snow.

The bitter mornings are driven by a rare weather system linked to the Indian Ocean.

Queenslanders complaining of feeling colder than the temperature predictions are right, with a lack of humidity driving the feeling that takes your breath away.

The cold spell is expected to last at least a week, with another batch of activity sweeping through the state next week.

More to come