CYCLONES are not expected to cross the Far North Queensland coastline this season although forecasters have predicted a wet start to the new year.

The weather bureau says up to four cyclones could form off the Queensland coast between now and April, influenced by a comparatively weak El Nino event.

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Cairns duty forecaster Bill O’Connor said the cyclones, which usually developed in the Coral Sea at this time of year, were not expected to cross the coast.

However, a surge in monsoonal flows was expected to bring wetter conditions later next month.

"With the monsoon to our near north, we should see a little bit more of that development as we head through into the middle of the month," Mr O’Connor said.

"As such, everything is running to the sort of plan that we normally expect this time of year.

"People should be prepared and on guard, and do their clean-ups and all those sorts of things that they should have done by now."

Latest Cairns weather forecast

A large low pressure system, the remnants of cyclone Laurence, last week slowly moved east across the continent bringing with it rainfall to the Far North and thunderstorms over the Gulf at the weekend.

The Atherton Tableland received up to 40mm of rainfall over the Christmas weekend, with afternoon storms making their way to the coast.

Mr O’Connor said he expected further isolated showers across the region in the lead-up to New Year’s Eve and on New Year’s Day resulting from the sultry conditions.

"For the next couple of days, it’s similar. However, the storms may be a little bit further west, out towards Chillagoe and west of the Tableland," he said.

"On the coast, we'll get the odd shower around in the afternoon, and a couple overnight.

"As we head through Thursday and Friday, we can probably expect an increase in shower activity as we become a little bit more unstable."

The Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation has advised farmers across the North to be ready for natural disasters which could affect livestock and crops.

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"There are no guarantees in a major natural disaster, but tropical Far North Queensland residents can prepare for the worst to reduce the risk to life and prevent or minimise damage and financial loss," acting regional services director Gerard Byrne said.

"We are still living with the impact of cyclone Larry in 2006 and the lengthy widespread flooding in the Gulf in January this year."

Mr Byrne said farm businesses would be better protected if producers assessed potential risks to their property, photographed assets in their pre-disaster condition and ensured business records and deeds were stored in a safe place.

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