Cairns BOM: Hot, dry, windy conditions increase fire danger for Far North Qld

While parts of Queensland prepare for the possibility of snow, the Far North is facing an elevated bushfire danger. WHAT’S IN STORE

It’s not often that Far North Queensland residents can blame snow flurries for the early onset of their fire season.

But according to the Bureau of Meteorology, the white stuff falling out of the sky in the state’s south is one of the factors causing optimum bushfire conditions.

And Tuesday’s low humidity, combined with high temperatures and possible wind gusts, mean an increased bushfire danger.

BOM meteorologists Pieter Claassen and Helen Reid confirmed that a cool change from the state’s south would result in high fire danger levels in and around Cairns as a trough moved across the state.

The trough is set to create hot, northerly winds for the Far North.

Forecasters have warned of the increased bushfire danger in the Far North. Picture: Brendan Radke

“We will see a cool change move through much of the state’s south with temperatures dropping by 11 or 12 degrees with chill winds, gusty thunderstorms and possible snow flurries, not a common event,” Mr Claassen said.

“For the bushfire and climate outlook (although) we are expecting an increased 70 per cent chance of rain over spring. Until this occurs we do have above average chances of a high bushfire season with elevated fire dangers until we see significant rainfalls.”

Mr Claassen said Tuesday would be the hottest day this week with temperatures around 32 degrees.

“We will see a very dry change in Cairns’ relative humidity, dropping as low as 20 per cent until Wednesday ahead of the change,” he said.

The BOM has warned of increased fire danger in the Far North on Tuesday. High (blue), very high (yellow) and severe (orange) warnings are in place.

Ms Reid said BOM was advising Cairns residents to be careful as the weather hat trick assembled, making bushfires more likely.

“Hot, dry and windy conditions allow bushfires to occur,” she said.

“We advise people to follow the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service advice, check their fire danger ratings and any warnings.”

Queensland Police are also investigating the cause of a number of suspicious fires ranging from Ellis Beach in the north and Walsh’s Pyramid in the south.

Police have requested anyone with any information to contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

Photo of Walsh's Pyramid at Gordonvale. An illegally lit fire PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

Cairns weather outlook

Tuesday: Max 31, Min 18, mostly sunny. Winds south to south-easterly 15 to 20 km/h

Wednesday: Max 26, Min 19, mostly sunny. Winds southerly 15 to 20 km/h turning south-easterly 25 to 40 km/h during the morning

Thursday: Max 28, Min 16, partly cloudy. Medium (40%) chance of showers in the afternoon and evening.

Friday: Max 29, Min 19, medium chance of showers.

Originally published as Cairns BOM: Hot, dry, windy conditions increase fire danger for Far North Qld