An incoming trough system is set to bring increasing rainfall over south-east Queensland and a risk of flash-flooding to coastal regions late this afternoon and into the weekend, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) says.
In south-east Queensland, the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the Gold Coast are all forecast to see falls of 50 to 100 millimetres through to Sunday night, with Saturday expected to bring the heaviest falls.
It comes as large parts of Queensland recover from record rainfall that left land sodden and homes mouldy.
Several major flood warning remain in place across the state.
BOM forecaster Steve Hadley said the federal election weekend was set to be wet and cool for large parts of the state.
"We've got some outbreaks of rain developing through the eastern parts of the state, right the way from about the Central Coast into the south-east, spreading into about the Sunshine Coast area during the latter part of Friday," he said.
"Then by Saturday, quite a wet picture right through down to the southern border around the Gold Coast."
'Abnormal' wet weather likely to persist
Further north, Mackay, Rockhampton and Bundaberg could all see falls of more than 100 millimetres.
Balonne Shire Council has issued an emergency alert for Dirranbandi, in southern Queensland, with heavy falls cutting off roads and increasing flash flooding risk this weekend.
"Everything's so saturated, there can be some river level rises again," Mr Hadley said.
"We also have a flood watch for the upcoming rain, and it covers actually mostly catchments north of Brisbane.
The BOM said there was a risk of localised flooding between Sarina and Caboolture on Friday.
Mr Hadley said the wet weather was abnormal for this time of year and was likely to persist.
"The rainfall is quite unusual for May but as we can see, we've been in this pattern where we are getting rainfall right now due to the weather systems that are coming through at the moment," he said.
"The climate outlook for the next three months is perhaps for that wetter-than-average weather to continue over most of Queensland."
Seqwater said: "Releases from Wivenhoe Dam continue to drain down the flood storage compartments.
"These releases are expected to continue until at least Sunday and may be extended if further significant rainfall occurs in the catchment."
It said low-flow operational releases may be required at North Pine Dam in the coming days.
Cooler temperatures this weekend
With winter just over a week away, Mr Hadley said the rain will also bring in a cooler temperature over the weekend.
"It's not going to feel particularly cold at night, but I think the days will start to cool off a bit," he said.
"It's 16 to 20 degrees through tomorrow, so it's going to feel pretty cool with that rainfall."
The BOM said showers are expected to continue next week down the east coast of the state.
"Bit of south-easterly wind through most of the week," Mr Hadley said.
"Some of those showers can be blowing through the south east at times."
Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson urged residents to drive with caution over the weekend, with roads still damaged from previous weather events.
"Our disaster management group will be on standby in the event that the weekend weather is more severe than we anticipate," Mr Jamieson said.
"I certainly urge all citizens to take the time to go on the council's website and examine the disaster hub as a means of understanding what they should be mindful of, but also in the event that they are caught out, what options exist.
"But again, I remind everyone, if it's flooded, forget it."
