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Sodden Sunday: Heavy Rainfall and Flood Watches Dampen the Coast

AuthorEditorial Team
Published
15 February 2026/02:51
Section
Weather
Sodden Sunday: Heavy Rainfall and Flood Watches Dampen the Coast
Source: Wikimedia Commons / Author: Johnson524

Wet Weather Overview

Residents across the Sunshine Coast are advised to prepare for a significant weather event today, Sunday, 15 February 2026. A series of low-pressure troughs moving across Southeast Queensland has brought a heavy mantle of clouds and persistent rain to our region. After a damp start to the weekend, Sunday is expected to be the most challenging day for outdoor plans, with high rainfall totals predicted across the coast and hinterland.

Morning, Afternoon, and Evening Predictions

The weather today will be characterized by high humidity and consistent precipitation. Here is the breakdown for the day:

  • Morning: The day begins with very heavy rainfall. Forecasts indicate a 100% chance of rain with expected totals between 15mm and 20mm in the morning hours alone. Visibility may be reduced on the roads, and temperatures will sit steadily around 21°C.
  • Afternoon: While the intensity may slightly decrease, the rain will remain moderate. Expect an additional 10mm to 15mm of rainfall throughout the afternoon. The mercury is unlikely to move much, staying at a cool maximum of 21°C or 22°C due to the heavy cloud cover.
  • Evening and Night: Moderate rain will continue into the night, with another 15mm to 20mm expected. Conditions will remain overcast with a high probability of persistent showers through the early hours of Monday morning.

Temperature and Wind Conditions

It will be a remarkably stable day temperature-wise, with very little variation between the daytime high and the overnight low. Expect a consistent 21°C throughout most of the 24-hour period. Sustained southeasterly winds of approximately 21 km/h are expected during the day, with gusts reaching up to 32 km/h. By the evening, winds will shift slightly to the south at 20 km/h.

Flood Risks and Marine Warnings

Authorities have issued flood watches for the Sunshine Coast as the cumulative rainfall over the weekend threatens to cause flash flooding and minor to moderate riverine flooding. While the rain provides much-needed relief to drought-affected areas, the intensity of the morning downpours may overwhelm local drainage systems. Drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution and never drive through floodwaters.

Marine conditions are currently hazardous. Strong easterly and southeasterly winds are creating dangerous swells, making this Sunday unsuitable for boating, fishing, or coastal recreation. Local surfers and swimmers should be aware of increased debris and challenging currents near river mouths.