Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland
TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
for Heavy Rainfall
for parts of Gulf Country, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, North West and Central West Forecast Districts.
Issued at 7:44 pm Thursday, 26 February 2026.
Heavy thunderstorms ongoing in the northwest of the state.
Weather Situation
Heavy, slow-moving thunderstorms are forming along a trough.
HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas:
Gulf Country, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, North West and Central West
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Cloncurry, Julia Creek, Duchess, Kamilaroi Station, Selwyn and Mckinlay.
Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Channel Country district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.
Cancellation for the following areas:
Channel Country
Emergency services advise people to:
* Park your car undercover away from trees.
* Close doors and windows.
* Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
* Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out.
* Put your pets somewhere safe and make sure they can be identified in case they get lost.
* Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
* Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.
* Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.
The next warning is due to be issued by 10:45 pm.
Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and emergency services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.
Forecast
McKinlay (21.273°S, 141.2945°E, 166m AMSL) McKinlay,QLD set as my default location ›
-
7 day forecast
McKinlay 7 day forecast
Today: Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. The chance of a thunderstorm, possibly severe with heavy rain which may lead to flash flooding. Light winds becoming N/NE 15 to 20 km/h in the morning then tending E/NE in the late afternoon. Overnight temperatures falling to the low to mid 20s with daytime temperatures reaching around 30.
Forecast for McKinlay (21.273°S, 141.2945°E, 166m AMSL) Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Summary
Minimum 23° 23° 24° 24° 23° 22° 22° Maximum 31° 33° 33° 33° 33° 33° 33° Chance of rain 40% 30% 50% 30% 30% 30% 60% Likely amount 1-5mm < 1mm < 1mm < 1mm < 1mm < 1mm < 1mm UV index Extreme Extreme Extreme Extreme Extreme Extreme Extreme Fire Danger Rating No Rating Moderate Moderate Moderate - - - Frost risk Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 9am 3pm 9am 3pm 9am 3pm 9am 3pm 9am 3pm 9am 3pm 9am 3pm Wind speed 15
(km/h)14
(km/h)17
(km/h)19
(km/h)22
(km/h)19
(km/h)26
(km/h)24
(km/h)27
(km/h)30
(km/h)28
(km/h)29
(km/h)24
(km/h)30
(km/h)Wind direction NE ENE ENE NE ENE ENE ENE E E ESE E ESE ESE SE Relative humidity 86% 72% 79% 59% 81% 59% 80% 57% 74% 50% 71% 45% 68% 46% Dew point 25°C 24°C 24°C 23°C 24°C 23°C 24°C 23°C 22°C 20°C 21°C 19°C 21°C 19°C First light 6:09am 6:10am 6:10am 6:11am 6:11am 6:11am 6:12am Sunrise 6:32am 6:32am 6:33am 6:33am 6:34am 6:34am 6:34am Sunset 7:07pm 7:06pm 7:05pm 7:04pm 7:03pm 7:02pm 7:02pm Last light 7:29pm 7:28pm 7:27pm 7:27pm 7:26pm 7:25pm 7:24pm -
Sunrise and sunset times
Sunrise / Sunset for McKinlay (21.273°S, 141.2945°E, 166m AMSL) First light Sunrise Sunset Last light Moon rise Moon set Moon phase Full moon Last quarter New moon First quarter 6:09am EST 6:32am EST 7:07pm EST 7:29pm EST 4:01pm EST 1:49am EST
Waxing gibbous
Full moon Mar 03 Last quarter Mar 11 New moon Mar 19 First quarter Mar 26 McKinlay sun & moon times
FridayFirst light6:09am
ESTSunrise6:32am
ESTSunset7:07pm
ESTLast light7:29pm
ESTMoon phase
Next OccurrenceMoon riseFri
4:01pm
ESTMoon setFri
1:49am
ESTFull moonFull moon Tue
Mar 03
Last quarterLast quarter Wed
Mar 11
New moonNew moon Thu
Mar 19
First quarterFirst quarter Thu
Mar 26
-
Warnings
Weather Warnings
Thu 7:44pm UTC Severe thunderstorm advice QLDThu 7:44pm UTC Severe thunderstorm advice QLDAustralian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland
TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
for Heavy Rainfall
for parts of Gulf Country, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, North West and Central West Forecast Districts.
Issued at 7:44 pm Thursday, 26 February 2026.
Heavy thunderstorms ongoing in the northwest of the state.
Weather Situation
Heavy, slow-moving thunderstorms are forming along a trough.
HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas:
Gulf Country, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, North West and Central West
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Cloncurry, Julia Creek, Duchess, Kamilaroi Station, Selwyn and Mckinlay.
Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Channel Country district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.
Cancellation for the following areas:
Channel Country
Emergency services advise people to:
* Park your car undercover away from trees.
* Close doors and windows.
* Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
* Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out.
* Put your pets somewhere safe and make sure they can be identified in case they get lost.
* Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
* Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.
* Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.
The next warning is due to be issued by 10:45 pm.
Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and emergency services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.Thu 5:02pm UTC Severe weather advice QLDAustralian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland
TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
Severe Weather Warning
for Heavy, Locally Intense Rainfall
for parts of North West, Channel Country and Central West Forecast Districts.
Issued at 5:02 pm Thursday, 26 February 2026.
HEAVY TO LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL IN THE FAR SOUTHWEST OF THE STATE
Weather Situation
A slow-moving tropical low is located over the southeast of the Northern Territory. Rich tropical moisture surrounding this system is feeding into a broad, near stationary trough in the southwest of the state, with persistent rain areas and thunderstorm activity likely to continue. The low is expected to move slowly to the west during remainder of today and Friday.
HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL for the following areas:
North West, Central West and Channel Country
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is likely, with six hour rainfall totals between 50 and 80 mm. 24 hour rainfall totals between 60 and 100 mm are likely, with isolated totals to 130 mm possible.
Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible with slow-moving lines of thunderstorms this evening and overnight into Friday morning. Six hour rainfall totals of around 110 mm are possible.
These conditions also threaten cattle and other livestock.
The risk of widespread heavy falls is likely to contract westwards towards the NT border on Friday morning and clear from the state later on Friday.
Separate Flood Watches and/or Warnings are current at the time of issue. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts/ for more information.
Locations which may be affected include Birdsville, Boulia, Bedourie, Glenormiston, Davenport Downs Station and Morney.
Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* Park your car undercover away from trees.
* Close doors and windows.
* Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
* Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out.
* Put your pets somewhere safe and make sure they can be identified in case they get lost.
* Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
* Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.
* Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.
The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 pm AEST Thursday.
Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and emergency services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.Thu 5:02pm UTC Severe weather advice QLDAustralian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Queensland
TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
Severe Weather Warning
for Heavy, Locally Intense Rainfall
for parts of North West, Channel Country and Central West Forecast Districts.
Issued at 5:02 pm Thursday, 26 February 2026.
HEAVY TO LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL IN THE FAR SOUTHWEST OF THE STATE
Weather Situation
A slow-moving tropical low is located over the southeast of the Northern Territory. Rich tropical moisture surrounding this system is feeding into a broad, near stationary trough in the southwest of the state, with persistent rain areas and thunderstorm activity likely to continue. The low is expected to move slowly to the west during remainder of today and Friday.
HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL for the following areas:
North West, Central West and Channel Country
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is likely, with six hour rainfall totals between 50 and 80 mm. 24 hour rainfall totals between 60 and 100 mm are likely, with isolated totals to 130 mm possible.
Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible with slow-moving lines of thunderstorms this evening and overnight into Friday morning. Six hour rainfall totals of around 110 mm are possible.
These conditions also threaten cattle and other livestock.
The risk of widespread heavy falls is likely to contract westwards towards the NT border on Friday morning and clear from the state later on Friday.
Separate Flood Watches and/or Warnings are current at the time of issue. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts/ for more information.
Locations which may be affected include Birdsville, Boulia, Bedourie, Glenormiston, Davenport Downs Station and Morney.
Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* Park your car undercover away from trees.
* Close doors and windows.
* Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
* Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out.
* Put your pets somewhere safe and make sure they can be identified in case they get lost.
* Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
* Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.
* Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.
The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 pm AEST Thursday.
Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and emergency services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.Thu 3:36pm UTC Flood warning QLDAustralian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations
Moderate Flood Warning For The Western River And Minor Flood Warning For The Diamantina River
Issued at 03:36 PM AEST on Thursday 26 February 2026
Flood Warning Number: 56
RAPID RIVER AND CREEK LEVEL RISES AND FURTHER FLOODING POSSIBLE IN THE LOWER DIAMANTINA CATCHMENT
MODERATE FLOODING OCCURRING ALONG THE WESTERN RIVER AT WINTON
MINOR FLOODING OCCURRING AT BIRDSVILLE
Significant rainfall has been observed across the Diamantina catchment during the last few days. Areas of heavy rainfall are forecast to continue across lower parts of the catchment during Thursday and Friday, which may result in rapid river level rises and localised flooding.
River level rises are occurring along the lower Diamantina River and its tributaries from recent rainfall, where minor flooding is occurring at Birdsville.
Further upstream along the Diamantina River, river levels remain above the moderate flood level at Diamantina Lakes. Further river level rises are likely downstream of Diamantina Lakes over the next few days as upstream flows arrive.
Along the Western River at Winton, river levels are above the moderate flood level and slowly falling.
A Severe Weather Warning is current for Heavy Rainfall in lower parts of the catchment, including Birdsville and Davenport Downs Station.
Diamantina River to Diamantina Lakes:
The Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes is currently at 4.61 m and rising, above the moderate flood level (4.00 m) and well above the Springvale Diamantina Lakes Road Causeway level (2.10 m).
Western River:
Moderate flooding is easing along the Western River at Winton.
No observations are currently available for the Western River at Winton. It is estimated that the river level is currently above the moderate flood level (2.00 m) and falling.
The Western River at Winton is likely to remain above the moderate flood level (2.00 m) through the remainder of Thursday and into Friday.
Diamantina River downstream of Diamantina Lakes:
Moderate flooding is occurring at Roseberth. Minor flooding is occurring at Monkira and Birdsville. Rapid river level rises are possible along the Diamantina River downstream of Diamantina Lakes, with forecast heavy rainfall. Further rises are also possible as upstream flows arrive.
The Diamantina River at Birdsville Police Station is currently at 4.10 m and rising, with minor flooding.
The Diamantina River at Birdsville Police Station may reach around 5.50 m overnight Thursday into Friday, with minor flooding. Further rises are possible from locally heavy rainfall and as upstream flows arrive.
Flood Safety Advice:
Don't drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don't drive on flooded roads.
Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.
For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings.}
For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.
Next issue:
The next warning will be issued by 12:00 PM AEST on Friday 27 February 2026.
Latest River Heights:
Mills Creek at Oondooroo,3.56,falling,3:00 pm Thu 26/02/26
Western River at Winton,2.35,falling,9:00 am Wed 25/02/26
Diamantina River at Elderslie,1.00,falling,3:00 pm Thu 26/02/26
Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes Tm,4.63,steady,3:00 pm Thu 26/02/26
Diamantina River at Monkira,3.38,steady,9:00 am Thu 26/02/26
Diamantina River at Roseberth Station,5.10,rising,12:30 pm Thu 26/02/26
Diamantina River at Birdsville Police Station,4.10,rising,1:45 pm Thu 26/02/26
Diamantina River at Birdsville,3.84,steady,1:55 pm Thu 26/02/26
This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood.Thu 3:00pm UTC Flood warning QLDAustralian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations
Major Flood Warning For The Georgina River And Moderate Flood Warning For Eyre Creek
Issued at 03:00 PM AEST on Thursday 26 February 2026
Flood Warning Number: 42
RAPID RIVER AND CREEK LEVEL RISES AND FURTHER FLOODING POSSIBLE ACROSS THE GEORGINA CATCHMENT OVER THE COMING DAYS
MAJOR FLOODING LIKELY AT MARION DOWNS FROM THURSDAY EVENING
MODERATE FLOODING OCCURRING AT BEDOURIE AND EXPECTED AT GLENGYLE FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON
Areas of heavy rainfall are forecast to continue across parts of the Georgina River and Eyre Creek catchments for the next few days, with significant rainfall having been observed in the upper reaches of the catchment over the last few days.
River level rises are occurring along the Georgina River and its tributaries following rainfall over the past week. Along the Upper Georgina River, a significant flood peak is currently near Urandangi. These flows, in addition to inflows from neighbouring tributaries, are likely to cause major flooding at Marion Downs from Thursday evening. Further rises are expected as additional upstream flows arrive from Urandangi.
Further downstream along Eyre Creek, an earlier peak is approaching Bedourie, where moderate flooding is occurring. This peak is expected to cause moderate flooding at Glengyle from Thursday afternoon.
Further heavy rainfall is expected across the catchment for the remainder of the week before easing into the weekend. This is likely to cause additional river rises, localised flooding and overland inundation. Road access may be affected, and some communities may become isolated. The situation is being closely monitored and warnings will be updated as required.
A Severe Weather Warning is current for heavy, locally intense rainfall in the far lower reaches of the catchment, including Marion Downs, Bedourie, and Glengyle.
Georgina River to Marion Downs:
Major flooding is likely at Marion Downs. Moderate flooding is occurring at Roxborough and Glenormiston.
The Georgina River at Marion Downs is currently at 4.88 m and steady, with moderate flooding.
The Georgina River at Marion Downs is likely to reach the major flood level (5.00 m) from Thursday evening. Further rises are likely over the coming days as upstream flows arrive.
Georgina River downstream of Marion Downs:
River level rises are occurring along the Georgina River downstream of Marion Downs.
Eyre Creek:
Moderate flooding is occurring along the Eyre Creek at Bedourie. Moderate flooding is expected at Glengyle. Minor flooding is occurring at Cluny.
The Eyre Creek at Bedourie is currently at 4.05 m and steady, with moderate flooding.
The Eyre Creek at Bedourie is likely to remain above the moderate flood level (4.00 m) for the remainder of Thursday into Friday. Further rises are likely over the coming days as upstream flows arrive.
The Eyre Creek at Glengyle is currently at 2.90 m and rising, with minor flooding.
The Eyre Creek at Glengyle is expected to exceed the moderate flood level (3.00 m) Thursday afternoon. Further rises are likely over the coming days as upstream flows arrive.
Flood Safety Advice:
Don't drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don't drive on flooded roads.
Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.
For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings.}
For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.
Next issue:
The next warning will be issued by 03:00 PM AEST on Friday 27 February 2026.
Latest River Heights:
Georgina River at Roxborough Downs Tm,6.92,steady,2:00 pm Thu 26/02/26
Georgina River at Glenormiston,4.70,steady,9:00 am Thu 26/02/26
Burke River at Boulia,2.67,steady,2:00 pm Thu 26/02/26
Georgina River at Marion Downs,4.88,steady,9:00 am Thu 26/02/26
Eyre Creek at Bedourie,4.40,steady,1:55 pm Thu 26/02/26
Eyre Creek at Glengyle,2.90,steady,9:00 am Thu 26/02/26
This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood.For extended forecasts and greater detail visit weather zone°- Severe Thunderstorm Warning (Heavy Rainfall) for parts of Gulf Country, Northern Goldfields & Upper Flinders, North West & Central West
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning (Heavy Rainfall) for parts of Gulf Country, Northern Goldfields & Upper Flinders, North West & Central West
- Severe Weather Warning (Heavy, Locally Intense Rainfall) for parts of North West, Channel Country and Central West
- Severe Weather Warning (Heavy, Locally Intense Rainfall) for parts of North West, Channel Country and Central West
- Moderate Flood Warning For The Western River And Minor Flood Warning For The Diamantina River
- Major Flood Warning For The Georgina River And Moderate Flood Warning For Eyre Creek
-
Temperature for next 7 days
0 Friday Friday 31 1 Saturday Saturday 33 2 Sunday Sunday 33 3 Monday Monday 33 4 Tuesday Tuesday 33 5 Wednesday Wednesday 33 6 Thursday Thursday 33 7 Thursday Thursday 33 -
Rain for next 7 days
0 Friday Friday 5 1 Saturday Saturday 0 2 Sunday Sunday 0 3 Monday Monday 0 4 Tuesday Tuesday 0 5 Wednesday Wednesday 0 6 Thursday Thursday 0 7 Thursday Thursday 0