Gold Coast weather: Three-day heatwave with storms expected

The Gold Coast will continue to swelter through a three-day heatwave, with stormy weather and showers only set to exacerbate the muggy weather today.

SPARE a thought for these Gold Coast kids — yesterday was their school cross country on the first of what’s tipped to be a three-day heatwave.

Benowa State School organised their two kilometre races for the morning to try and beat the peak heat but Charlotte Smith, 11, was keen for the water waiting for her at the finish line.

“I just think of getting to the end of the line and being able to wet myself with water,” she said.

But the heat left 11-year-old Nick Bouwmeester unfazed.

Benowa State School students Riley Eskersley, 11, Charlotte Smith, 11, and Nick Bouwmeester, 11, are hot under the sun after running their school cross country on a hot Autumn day. Picture: Jerad Williams

“You just deal with it,” he said.

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The Gold Coast reached a top of 35 at Oxenford yesterday.

Weatherzone meteorologist Kim Westcott said there was a good chance of storms throughout the rest of the week — coupled with ongoing warmer temperatures.

“It might be one of those ‘Take along an umbrella’ weeks,” she said.

A storm abruptly hit the Gold Coast yesterday afternoon with hailstones as big as 2cm falling in Burleigh Heads, Bonogin and Tallebudgera.

More storms are expected this afternoon, with showers interspersed all week.

Central Gold Coast temperatures are expected to reach a top of 32 today and 31 tomorrow in the Seaway.

High temperatures outside of summer aren’t uncommon for the Gold Coast with the hottest day at the Seaway in 2018 recording 35.1 in autumn.

Maddy Ozbebek with her daughter Leyla at Surfers Paradise beach on a hot Autumn day. Picture: Jerad Williams

On the beaches tourists made the most of the water to cool off.

Maddy Ozbebek came down from Brisbane to Surfers Paradise for the day with daughter Leyla.

“It’s the perfect day to come down,” she said.

“She (Leyla) is a real water baby. We’re drinking lots of water, coming to the beach and wearing lots of sunscreen.”

Mayor Tom Tate said Gold Coasters should make the most of the city’s beaches, pools and water theme parks.

“The health message is simple stay hydrated, stay covered up and keep an eye out for your neighbours, family and friends,’’ he said.

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Surfers Paradise beach on a hot Autumn day. Picture: Jerad Williams

Queensland Ambulance Service clinical director Tony Hucker said people should take extra care as temperatures climbed.

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“Wear the right clothing — loose fitting stuff — make sure you have regular breaks through the day. You need to have water with you at all times and drink to your thirst.”

Mr Husker also urged residents to check on elderly neighbours who are at higher risk of illness in hot weather.

Abnormal behaviour, vomiting, and collapsing are all signs of serious heat stroke, he said.

“If people are getting that sick you need to be calling Triple 0 and drag them out of the hot area,” he said.

“Heat stroke is dangerous and can kill you.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has imposed a fire ban across the Gold Coast today.