Ugly consequence of ‘Cairns-like’ humidity in southeast Queensland

Southeast Queensland is on track for a “Cairns-like” wet season, with high humidity and mould festering in homes and businesses across the state.

The Bureau of Meteorology said high humidity rates and heavy rainfall pounding through the state was the perfect breeding ground for mould to thrive.

Senior meteorologist Felim Hanniffy said evening temperatures in the southeast reached nearly 100 per cent humidity over the weekend, skyrocketing past Cairns’ humidity levels of 60 per cent.

“We’ve had several days of rain across the southeast and the repercussions of that is a lot of humidity and moisture still in the air,” Mr Hanniffy said.

“We’re looking at moisture levels more like what you would expect in January and February during the wet season.

“Mould thrives in those really moist, muggy conditions.”

The southeast corner usually experiences an average 73 per cent humidity in May. In comparison, Cairns usually experiences 79 per cent humidity in the same month.

Forecaster Livio Regano said the southeast was experiencing “Far North Queensland” conditions.

“Because the rain has been almost never ending, people are naturally closing their houses and windows up,” they said.

“It’s the perfect mix for mould. Very tropical, quite warm nights and long continuous periods of very high humidity and little cloud cover.

“It’s not quite as hot as Far North Queensland’s wet season, but similar.”

Mr Hanniffy explained there had been no significant weather system to move the damp air mass along.

“So we’re kind of stuck in this stagnant, humid air mass post (last week’s) significant weather event,” he said.

The uncomfortable and damp weather follows the February floods which ripped through the Sunshine State, triggering chaos in the region.

Residents have been warned of foggy conditions and constant rainfall throughout the week.

“Unfortunately, we’re unlikely to get those warm, sunny May days,” he said.

“Today (Monday) is the closest to sunshine we will see.”