
Brisbane's Ekka winds a sign the Royal Queensland Show is just around the corner
The telltale sign? Those infamous dry, gusty westerlies that locals love to hate: the 'Ekka winds'.
Every August, a familiar chill sweeps through the southeast, announcing one of the most anticipated events of the year: the Royal Queensland Show.
So, what's behind this seasonal phenomenon?
7NEWS Queensland meteorologist Tony Auden said it is a mix of geography, timing and tradition.
'The so-called 'Ekka westerly winds' are famous in southeast Queensland because they feel very different to winds at most other times of the year,' Auden said.
These winds are typically dry, bringing clear sunny skies. But that's not what makes them memorable.
'The westerly direction means the wind flows over mountain ranges, which creates waves in the air and gives us that distinct gustiness,' he explained.
'It can be calm for long periods, then a strong gust comes out of nowhere.'
The name dates back to the show's early days when these winds often blew through Brisbane during Ekka week in August.
But Auden said the timing of these winds isn't as predictable anymore.
'These days, due to yearly variations and possibly a warming climate, they tend to peak earlier.
'In fact, we're just as likely to get a 30-degree day and a thunderstorm during the Ekka as we are to get any extended period of gusty westerlies.'
While the Ekka winds aren't usually dangerous, they can still pack a punch.
'Most of the time, these westerlies peak around 60 to 70km/h.
'Warnings aren't required, but we do see a lot of debris come down from trees.'
The strongest winds are often felt along the valley from Ipswich through to Brisbane, while the mountain ranges can shield the Gold and Sunshine Coast s from the worst of it, Auden added.
In rare cases, unusual wind patterns can even form on the southern Gold Coast, creating a light easterly breeze.
These winds also cause headaches for pilots as they've turned deadly before.
'They can cause turbulence for aircraf t, giving a bumpy ride at best and becoming dangerous in extreme cases,' Auden explained.
'Famous Australian singer Shirley Strachan from the band Skyhooks sadly died in a helicopter crash likely caused by severe turbulence in these westerly winds,' Auden said.
So, while they might feel like a Brisbane tradition, the Ekka winds are more complex – and far less predictable – than most locals realise.
And it's not just the gusts stirring things up.
Health experts warn the mix of chilly winds and packed showgrounds creates the perfect conditions for spreading respiratory illnesses.
Every year after the Ekka, Queensland hospitals report a spike in flu, RSV and COVID-19 cases.
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