Logan faces a hotter run to Christmas, with warmer nights and an increased risk of heatwaves adding urgency to household preparations for severe weather.
Bureau of Meteorology senior climatologist Zhi-Weng Chua said above-average daytime and overnight temperatures were expected across Logan and south-east Queensland from October to December.
“There is an increased risk of unusually hot conditions and heatwaves,” Mr Chua said.
The warning reinforces the message of Get Ready Queensland Week, October 5–11, as Logan City Council progresses flood-mapping changes and explores new ways to reduce bushfire hazards.
A strong El Niño is underway, but Mr Chua cautioned against assuming its strength would dictate local rainfall.
“While El Niño is likely to strengthen further, the strength of an event doesn’t always match the impacts on Australia’s rainfall,” he said.
“The long-range forecast does not indicate a clear signal for rainfall for October to December.”
That uncertainty does not remove the threat of dangerous downpours.
“Over this period, for this region, regardless of long-range forecast, there is a risk of severe thunderstorms, flash flooding and periods of heavy rain.”
He said Australia’s east coast had the country’s highest severe-thunderstorm risk, particularly during those three months.
Meanwhile, the council’s proposed flood-planning changes could remove 56.8% – or 25,000 – properties from its overlay.
Endorsed at a special meeting on Tuesday 6 October, the proposal still requires state approval and subsequent council adoption, with commencement expected in early 2027.
Changes to planning classifications do not eliminate the underlying physical flood risk.
“Flood risk is real and we should never pretend otherwise,” Mayor Jon Raven said during the meeting.
The council has also trialled drones to ignite a planned burn across 44ha at Birnam Range Reserve, helping crews reach difficult terrain.
Cr Raven said residents had their own preparations to make.
“There are simple things you can start now, like clearing your roof and gutters and mowing your grass,” he said.
“It’s never too early to plan for fire season.”
His Get Ready message extended to household supplies and emergency arrangements.
“Almost every year we see people scrambling to get ready when an extreme weather warning is issued, but the best time to prepare is before the weather turns bad,” Cr Raven said.
“Getting ready doesn’t have to be complicated. Understand your risks, have a plan, pack a kit and know where to find reliable information.
“Small actions, such as checking your emergency kit, making sure you have important documents handy and talking to your family about what you’d do during an emergency can make a difference.”
Visit Logan’s Disaster Dashboard and the Bureau’s latest outlook.
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