Weather News

Heatwave looms for parts of Queensland

Ben Domensino, Wednesday November 21, 2018 - 11:20 AEDT

An extreme heatwave is likely to affect parts of northern and central Queensland at the end of this week, with some records likely to be challenged.

A broad low pressure trough moving across Queensland from west to east will generate widespread showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday and Thursday. This trough is expected to weaken and stall over northeast Queensland from Friday into the weekend, allowing it to direct warm air over the state's central and northeastern districts.

Image: A hot air mass will cause severe to extreme heatwave conditions in parts of central and nortern Queensland late this week and into next week.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a severe to locally extreme heatwave in parts of northeastern and central Queensland from Friday into the beginning of next week.

Temperatures are forecast to reach 35-37 degrees in Mackay between Saturday and Tuesday, while Townsville and Cairns should also reach the mid-to-high thirties from the weekend into early next week. The heatwave will also affect parts of the Capricornia District, with Rockhampton expected to reach 39-41 degrees for at least three days from Sunday.

Mackay's forecast tops of 37 degrees on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday are all higher than the city's current November maximum temperature record of 36.6 degrees from 2008.

In addition to the daytime heat, minimum temperatures will also remain above average for a number of nights. This will make it difficult to recover from the day's hot weather once the sun goes down.

Forecast models indicate that above-average temperatures could persist in central and northern Queensland through much of next week as well.

Here are tips on how to stay cool during a heatweave:

Keep hydratedClose curtains and blinds

Avoid strenuous activities

Ensure you have enough food and water to avoid having to go outside in the heat

Consider what to do if you have a power outage

Watch or listen to news reports for information about the heat event

Also consider the wellbeing of pets and animals

- Weatherzone

© Weatherzone 2018

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