Monsoon trough brewing over north Qld

Forecasters are keeping a close eye on a brewing monsoon trough over Queensland's drenched northwest which is expected to dump heavy rain across the region this week.

The Bureau of Meteorology says there's a possibility the trough could strengthen into a monsoonal low, however the chance of a tropical cyclone remains low for at least the next three days.

"This is the first decent monsoon we've had since about Christmas/New Year," forecaster Jess Carey told AAP.

"But it has to be monitored - that's the take-home message - when you've got the monsoon trough things can develop very very quickly.

"There's not huge development in the Coral Sea yet and that's where further development is expected over the coming days."

Mr Carey said the shallow, warm waters off the Gulf of Carpentaria were a "breeding ground" for tropical cyclones.

The trough, which extends from the Gulf Country across to the Northern Territory, dumped heavy rain across the northwest and tropical north coast over the weekend.

Some areas around Mt Isa recorded close to the monthly average in a single day.

Several roads in and around the outback town have been cut off and police have said a number of people have been rescued after becoming stuck in floodwaters.

Seven people were expected to be rescued on Monday after their bogged car was found near Camooweal on Sunday night.

Daily totals of 50-100mm are expected across the northwest this week, although it will likely be patchy rather than widespread.

Flood warnings remain in place for the Georgina, Eyre, Western and Diamantina rivers.

Mr Carey said the wet season had arrived late in the north and the heavy rain would be welcomed in most areas, especially by those in the drought-stricken west.