Highs to hit 40s as SEQ swelters in heatwave

A brutal, record breaking heatwave that had Queensland roasting in furnace-like conditions also sparked turmoil for Brisbane’s public transport system and fuelled a bushfire.

FIVE Queensland towns have broken records for their December temperatures and Brisbane has equalled its hottest December day since 1981.

Longstanding records were broken on Monday, including in Nambour where the mercury hit 40.8, breaking a record of 40.5 that had been in place since 1975, and in Beerburrum, which reached 41.6 and broke a 2001 record of 41.

Gatton reached 43.4 just before 3pm, breaking a record of 42.6 set earlier this month; Oakey hit 40.7, breaking the 2013 record of 40.3; and Archerfield reached 41.2, breaking a record of 40.2 set earlier this month.

Brisbane temperatures tipped over 40 degrees for the first time in 15 years.

At 1.40pm, the Bureau of Meteorology recorded a temperature of 41.2 degrees, equalling the highest December temperature ever recorded in the city since December 7, 1981, and the highest temperature since February 2004.

The extreme heat also caused TransLink to delay all Queensland train services for 15 minutes, with trains required to adhere to speed restrictions.

All train lines returned to normal schedules just before 6pm.

It is also fuelling a bushfire crisis south of Gladstone with residents at Mount Maria ordered to leave their homes immediately as a life-threatening bushfire heads towards residential areas.

Bureau of Meteorology Meteorologist Lauren Pattie said a large part of the state experienced heatwave conditions today, with temperatures 10-12 degrees above average.

“We are on track for one of the warmest Decembers on record,” she said.

“There’s still a few days to go but we’re on track to break some of our December records both within QLD and nationally.

“And also annually as well, 2019 is on track to be one of the warmest and driest years on record.”

A cool change was moving across the southeast on Monday afternoon. which would see temperatures return to average levels for a day or two.

“That little reprieve on Tuesday and Wednesday but the temperatures build right up as we move into the week,” Ms Pattie said.

“The rest of the state doesn’t get the reprieve and we still have very hot temperatures for the interior and southwest continuing right through this week.”

Queensland Ambulance Clinical Director Tony Hucker

Paramedics were in overdrive after record-breaking temperatures saw them respond to at least 20 heat-related calls since early Monday.

Queensland Ambulance Service clinical director Tony Hucker said a combination of heat and dehydration could actually be fatal.

Mr Hucker told residents to drink water, stay inside, and make the most of airconditioning.

“Starting to feel really fatigued, headachy, just not being able to think clearly: all those really subtle signs that aren’t obvious are telltale signs that you’re overheating,” he said.

Mr Hucker urged residents to check on their neighbours.

“If you’ve got older neighbours make sure you can knock on their door and make sure they’re okay.”

Mr Hucker said short, sharp heatwaves could be the most dangerous because people weren’t prepared.