Flood-affected state set for monsoonal rain as fears fresh cyclone could develop

Published: January 5, 2026

Daily London

Large parts of northern Queensland are preparing for more heavy rain, with experts warning a tropical cyclone could form by the end of the week.

The state has been battered by rain to begin 2026, with some areas receiving more than a metre of rain in a week.

This was the case for Cowley Bay, which had 1284mm of rain in seven days, whilst Townsville copped 500mm in the week ending on Monday.

Two people signal for help from atop a sinking car at Laura after flooding hit northern Queensland. (Supplied)

It has led to flooding across the northern parts of the state, with floodwaters sweeping cars away in the top end.

The rain is easing off to begin the week, but it will only be a brief reprieve, with a new weather system set to bring more big falls to parts of Queensland.

Weatherzone said a monsoon surge from the Coral Sea will turn into a low-pressure system that will make landfall over eastern Queensland.

“This system is currently likely to target the northern and central coasts of eastern Qld from Friday into the weekend and possibly continuing early next week,” Weatherzone’s Ben Domensino said.

“Some heavy rain could also extend inland towards flood-weary areas in the state’s northwest.”

Coastal areas from Rockhampton all the way to the top end are set to receive a barrage of rain this week. (Weatherzone)

Weatherzone warns some modelling has predicted the system could even turn into a tropical cyclone before making landfall over Australia around Friday.

Regardless of whether it becomes a cyclone or not, Domensino warns the impact on already flood-affected regions could be strong.

“It will still produce lots of rain that will be falling into already saturated river catchments,” he said.

“Flooding will be a high risk from late this week and next week over parts of northern and central Queensland.”