Temperatures soar as Far North braces for ‘severe’ weather

It’s hot in the city - and in the regions - with some areas of North Queensland poised for temperatures of 35C as we head into storm season.

Brisbane tourist Kayla Fourie packed an umbrella for the rain, but still found the weather pleasant enough for a swim in the Esplanade lagoon. Picture: Brendan Radke

It’s time to get out the sunscreen and turn up the airconditioning as temperatures are set to rise into the weekend.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Patch Clapp confirmed temperatures were set to reach the low to mid 30s in Cairns and surrounding regions.

“The warmest day for Cairns so far was 32.7C on October 8, and the forecast period ahead shows a possible 33C this Thursday and again on Tuesday,” Mr Clapp said.

“Mareeba’s looking at 34C and Ingham’s looking at 35C on Thursday and Friday.”

While minimum and maximum temperatures were recording slightly above average, Mr Clapp said it was not unusual leading into the summer months.

“It’s starting to feel that bit hotter and this time of year see the humidity climb up as well as oceans get warmer and tropics get into gear,” he said.

Despite the warm weather, only scattered showers are expected toward the later parts of the weekend.

“Generally for coastal areas a quiet couple days with not many showers around for Thursday through to Saturday,” he said.
“There’s a chance of coastal showers to finish off the weekend, staying lighter, nothing too substantial.”

Mr Clapp said the increase in showers would give rise to a wet November, with an average of 90mm expected throughout the month before heading into the severe weather season.

“We’re expecting a typical season with an increased chance of severe tropical cyclones across northern Australia,” he said.

“The thing with cyclones is this is the time of year we can start to see them, and it doesn’t take a severe tropical cyclone to cause damage.

“Any cyclone can do a lot of damage through rain, winds or storm surges, it’s just that time of the season to start thinking about being prepared and staying up to date.”

Originally published as Temperatures soar as Far North braces for ‘severe’ weather