Qld predicted to see fewer cyclones

Battered by Marcia in early-2015, Queensland can expect fewer tropical cyclones this summer courtesy of a strong El Nino cycle in the Pacific Ocean.

The Bureau of Meteorology predicts it's highly unlikely the upcoming cyclone season - from November to April - will see more than the average of four on Australian east coast.

A less active cyclone season is expected for Australia in general, where the average number is 11.

The BOM's 2015-16 tropical cyclone season outlook says there's only a 27 per cent chance of exceeding the average in the eastern region.

Rob Webb, the bureau's Queensland regional director, said it was also unlikely the state would see the widespread, repetitive and devastating flooding of 2010-11.

"But we will see floods - we'll see an event like a monsoon low or a tropical cyclone cross the coast," he said.

Mr Webb urged residents to look out for vulnerable neighbours, such as the elderly, during heatwaves.

"Heatwaves are the silent killer in our community - they creep up on people."

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk warned Queenslanders that it was time to start storm preparations as cabinet is briefed by the bureau's forecasters on Monday.

"We need to be prepared," she said. "We need to make sure we have our essential kits in our homes."

Ms Palaszczuk said the state was still feeling the effects of Cyclone Marcia, which left a damage bill of over $500 million earlier this year.