Brisbane has had one of its driest starts to October in years, with no signs of rain on the horizon.

In the first half of October Brisbane only recorded 12.8 millimetres of rain, which fell in a single day and delivered just 15% of their usual monthly rainfall. This made it the driest first half of October in six years, thanks to a series of prevalent high pressure systems that have maintained generally clear skies over southern Queensland.

The city has been deprived of moisture since the end of winter, recording below average rain in both August and September. The month of August was the driest in twelve years of records, with only 0.2mm, while September only brought 5.6mm.

The clear skies this October have also brought cooler nights. A minimum of just nine degrees last Saturday morning was Brisbane’s coldest October night in at least twelve years, thanks to a very cold air mass that moved over southern Queensland.

Gardens will continue to go thirsty this week, as a high pressure system exerts its dominance over the city, bringing predominantly sunny days. There is a chance of a shower or storm on Thursday and Friday, although less than 5mm of rain is expected, leaving the monthly rainfall total well short of average.

It will also be a warm week, with the city expected to warm to the high twenties each day, further dehydrating parks and gardens. Residents need not worry, however, with dam storage levels close to capacity throughout southeast Queensland.

– Weatherzone