Intense heat continues to persist over the Burnett this week, with temperatures mid-to-high 30s forecast.
The Bureau of Meteorology has released a severe to low-intensity heatwave forecast for most of Queensland today and tomorrow. Most of the Burnett is predicted to have a low-intensity heatwave.
The Bureau’s Senior Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury explained that a heatwave is when the maximum and minimum temperatures are consistently unusually hot over a three-day period or more.
“We also focus on how much it cools down overnight -cooler nights can allow for some recovery overnight,” she said.
“Higher overnight temperatures… means more hours of extreme heat -this puts more stress on the body.”
Inland Queensland is likely to reach temperatures from high 30s to mid-40s, with warm overnight minimum temperatures climbing up to the mid-20s.
What constitutes a heatwave is different for different parts of Australia, with meteorologists looking at the recent weather conditions, local climate and past temperatures.
The meteorologist explained that the heat had recently been stagnating over western and central parts of Australia.
This has been ‘enhanced’ by the Tropical Cyclone Sean located over the Western Australian coastline, which has helped drag heat over the continent.
“There’s been a lack of cold fronts to drag the heat away and it’s been able to linger and intensify over Queensland,” Ms Bradbury said.
These heatwave conditions increase the risk of severe thunderstorms today in the central and southeast inland Queensland.
“Those severe storms could bring damaging to locally destructive wind gusts and large to giant-sized hail,” Ms Bradbury said.
“We urge residents right across the south-east to keep a close eye out for any warning updates.”
Relief from the heat could still be a few days away, with the meteorologist explaining that a “stronger southerly change” is expected to the east over the weekend.
However, low-intensity heatwave conditions are expected to persist into next week.
KEEP COOL
Queensland Ambulance Service reminds Queenslanders to prioritise keeping cool in this heat.
Senior Operations Supervisor Doug Buchanan warned Aussies to not become complacent as we approach the Australia Day long weekend.
“Heatwaves aren’t just a matter of discomfort, but can pose a really serious health risk for affected communities and heat-related illnesses can affect anyone,” he said.
“I really urge people to protect themselves and those around them, by keeping cool, drinking plenty of water and staying out of the heat -especially during the peak part of the day.”
Heatwaves can be especially dangerous for children, the elderly, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and those with pre-existing conditions.
Mr Buchanan urged Queenslanders to keep an eye out for signs of heat stress or stroke.
“Dry mouth and eyes, headache, shortness of breath, vomiting, muscle cramps, or even leading into dizziness or nausea or tragically into seizures,” he said.
Take note of these signs early and call 000.
“It’s also important to understand heat can exacerbate underlying medical conditions,” Mr Buchanan said.
“Its really important to listen to what your body is telling you, so you can keep an eye on those signs and symptoms.”
Ways to stay cool include:
– Staying hydrated and keeping a water bottle with you at all times
– Seek a place to keep cool, such as your home, a library, community centre or shopping centre
– Close your windows and draw blinds, curtains or awnings early in the day to keep the heat out of your home. If available, use fans or air-conditioners to keep cool.
-Avoid strenuous exercise in the peak of the day
