General News
21 October, 2026
Dryer times for Mareeba
MAREEBA has recorded only 7mm of rain since 1 July, leaving the town looking brown and more vulnerable to bushfires.
For July, August and September, the town has been devoid of rainfall while its southern neighbour, Atherton, has enjoyed just over 107mm in the same period.
There may be some respite from the dry weather in Mareeba in sight, with showers forecast across the region this week.
Earlier this month, Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Laura Boekel spoke about what’s in store for Queensland this severe weather season.
“The bureau’s latest severe weather outlook for Queensland predicts the upcoming severe weather season will occur against a backdrop of a strong El Niño and record warm global average temperatures,” she said.
This spring and summer were likely to be hotter than usual, bringing an increased risk of heatwave conditions.
Ms Boekel urged the community to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings so they could plan and prepare.
“Severe weather can develop quickly and threaten lives and property. You can reduce the impact of severe weather by getting ready now before it happens,” she said.
RAINFALL SNAPSHOT:
TOWN: 1 July-1 Sept
Mareeba 7.2mm
Atherton 107.6mm
Walkamin 33.4mm
Herberton 16mm
Malanda 229mm
• Figures from the Bureau of Meteorology website
