Extreme Heatwave in Tropical North turns Spring to ‘full Summer’ says BoM

The mercury is set to soar to a sweltering 33 degrees on Tuesday as the Far North prepares for an extreme heatwave.

UPDATE: The mercury is set to soar to a sweltering 33 degrees on Tuesday before peaking midweek “with highs of 35” as the Far North prepares for an extreme heatwave.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued an Extreme Heatwave Warning for the North Tropical Coast on Sunday, with another scorcher predicted for Cairns today.
A slight chance of a morning shower “most likely in the late morning and afternoon” should give residents a slight respite, with a chance of a thunderstorm also predicted later this morning.

Light winds becoming northerly 15 to 20 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the evening is also predicted.

It comes as scorching Spring temperatures are driving crowds to beaches, creeks and waterfalls in the hopes of some respite from the heatwave currently hitting Cairns.

Evie Cerros enjoying the cool at Stoney Creek on Sunday.

“Spring has been cooler than average so far, so getting suddenly above average temperatures feels a bit like a hit on the head with a cricket bat,” meteorologist Livio Regano said.

“Get ready for five or six days of full Summer weather.”

Mr Regano said while highs of 35 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday may not seem extreme, the danger came from the humidity and how long the mercury sat near the maximum temperature.

“In the tropics every degree makes a difference with all the moisture in the air, and just how long it stays that temperature,” he said.

“Already by 8 o’clock in the morning it’s hit 30 degrees, so you’ve really only had a very short amount of time at the minimum.”

Overnight lows have also been rising, and warmer nights are forecast this week.

Inland regions including Mareeba will be hardest hit by the heatwave, which will be less intense along the coast.

Vulnerable people including children, pregnant women and the elderly have been advised to take care in the heat.

“It’s time to start pumping the airconditioning, if you’ve got it,” Mr Regano said.

The BoM also recommended seeking a place to keep cool such as a community centre, library or shopping centre, and closing windows and blinds to keep heat out of the home.

Originally published as Extreme Heatwave in Tropical North turns Spring to ‘full Summer’ says BoM