A rash of showers, cloud and onshore winds have brought Cairns and much of Queensland’s North Coast a damp and dreary Easter.

A small trough sat offshore, has helped amplify the shower activity, brought on by fresh easterly winds. Although not unusual for Queensland’s tropics, this rainfall has been particularly heavy. Unfortunately for many tourists, the rain has focused upon the popular resorts north of Cairns.

Cape Tribulation amassed a huge 318mm in just 24 hours, their highest in a year. Set slightly inland, Daintree also hit 318mm, their best April rain in 38 years.

It has been slightly less damp further south, although Mission Beach grabbed a significant 133mm and Cairns Airport registered 58mm.

The trough and winds are set to bring a very soggy Easter Monday, with totals upwards of 80mm in places. The main shower activity appears to be moving slightly south of Cairns, although most places will still see plenty of the wet stuff.

Things should begin to brighten up from Wednesday as a ridge of high pressure works its way up the east coast. Winds will drop off by Thursday and big blue skies should be the order by next weekend.

Weatherzone