Temperatures soar across Cairns, Far North as BOM watches possible tropical low
As the “feels like” temperature in Cairns raced to 40.3C by 11am, meteorologists are keeping a close eye on the Coral Sea where a tropical low is likely to form this weekend.
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THURSDAY: Meteorologists are keeping a close eye on the Coral Sea where a tropical low is likely to form this weekend.
It comes as the Far North swelters through above-average temperatures this week, with 39.1C recorded at Cairns Racecourse on Wednesday.
Bureau of Meteorology atmospheric scientist Brooke Pagel said from Friday the hot conditions should start to ease as rain arrives in parts of the region.
“Cape York and the northern area will have a lot more rain over the weekend,” she said.
“There is a monsoon trough coming on through which is what is going to trigger those showers on the weekend.”
“There is a low developing off the northern Coral Sea in the Torres Strait.
“We are keeping an eye on that to see if that will form in a low-grade cyclone but it is a bit too early to tell so far.”
According to the Bureau, the new tropical low is likely to form off the Far North Queensland coast on the weekend and initial indications suggest the system is likely to be steered westward into the Gulf of Carpentaria.
A maximum of 36C was forecast in Cairns for Thursday but the mercury at the airport had surpassed that by 12.30pm, with 37.1C recorded.
The temperature had already reached 35.8C at the airport by 10.50am, with a “feels like” temperature of 40.3C about the same time.
Parts of the Tablelands could get some relief from the heat, with storms moving over the region as of 2pm.
Rainfall is also building around Weipa on the western Cape.
EARLIER: The Far North is enduring a sweltering Wednesday as above-average temperatures plague the region.
A maximum of 37C was forecast for Cairns and by 11.30am the mercury had already hit 37.1C at the airport. By 12.20pm it was 38.3C.
When the humidity is taken into the account, the “feels like” temperature has been as high as 39.2C, Bureau of Meteorology figures show.
It has been even hotter at Cairns Racecourse, where the temperature hit 39.1C at 12.40pm.
Parts of the Cassowary Coast have also hit 39C. Innisfail Aero and South Johnstone both hit 39.1C about 12.40pm.
BOM senior meteorologist Harry Clark said the hot temperatures were high for a typical Cairns January.
“It is definitely well above average through the Cairns region. The average for Cairns is 31.5,” he said.
“The heat should ease a bit on Friday with not much rainfall expected until then,” he said.
“On the weekend we will start seeing the chance of a shower of two.”
“(The humidity) should start to ease on the weekend. It’s not going to be dry but not to the same extent to now,” he said.
But he said the heat would be mostly felt in the city.
“The worst of the heat is Cairns and south, whereas the areas further north from that are getting a few more showers and thunderstorms.”
TUESDAY: Temperatures are soaring across the Far North today, with residents urged to stay hydrated in the steamy conditions.
The official temperature at Cairns Racecourse hit 37.7C just after 1pm.
It came after the mercury at Cairns Airport climbed to 36.9C at 12.30pm, though the apparent or “feels like” temperature around that time was even more brutal: 42.4C.
Innisfail Aero hit 37C at 12.42pm, while South Johnstone reached 36.8C at 1.13pm.
Mareeba’s top so far is 34.7C, according to Bureau of Meteorology figures.
The current conditions can be blamed on ex-tropical cyclone Seth, which passed over the Far North as a tropical low last week.
“The weakening remnants of the system are forecast to drift west to northwest over the following few days and possibly approach the northern southeast coast on Thursday,” the Bureau of Meteorology said.
“A weak trough and heat low extends through western and central Queensland, and will linger for the next few days.
“The trough will deepen over western Queensland on Wednesday and move slowly east from Thursday.”
A maximum of 37C is on the cards for Cairns again on Wednesday.
The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service has urged residents to take steps to stay cool during the hot conditions.
“Please remember to drink plenty of fluids, stay indoors when possible and limit strenuous outdoor activity.”
How hot has it been at your place so far today? Let us know in the comment below.
Originally published as Temperatures soar across Cairns, Far North as BOM watches possible tropical low
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