Gold Coast weather: How hot it will get in your area

Health authorities are advising residents to take it super easy this weekend amid warnings of punishingly hot weather. Here’s what forecasters expect.

Health authorities have delivered Gold Coast residents some sobering news, advising alcohol and hot drinks should be avoided amid sweltering heat.

The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting the mercury will crack 33 degrees in coastal suburbs on Saturday, 35 in Coomera and Nerang and a scorching 37 degrees at Beaudesert.

Senior Meteorologist Dean Narramore said the temperatures would be above normal for December, and the highest seen for a number of years.

“For around Coolangatta and Surfers Paradise the average is around 29 and a half degrees, so we’re definitely looking at above average temperatures,” he said.

“It’s not unusual to get a few days in the low to mid 30s but it’s probably the warmest we have seen for a few summers.”

Lisa Paukner from Germany and Jack Della Marta from Sydney enjoy the balmy weather on The Spit. Picture: Regi Varghese.

Mr Narramore said the high temperatures were being caused by the fact that winds were blowing from the west, rather than from the ocean.

“What’s driving this burst of heat over the next few days is we’re going to see north to north westerly winds drag the heat from central and almost northern Queensland down here into south east Queensland, including the Gold Coast,” Mr Narramore said.

“That’s why we’re going to see a few days with temperatures in the low to mid 30s, and even getting into the high thirties for places further inland.

“No cooling sea breezes, no strong winds coming in off the ocean means our winds are going to keep coming from the inland parts of Australia and that’s why we’re going to see pretty hot conditions over the next few days.”

Bureau of Meteorology Senior Meteorologist Dean Narramore. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Geraghty

Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard. Picture: John Gass.

The forecast prompted authorities to warn residents to take steps to protect their health, including avoiding hot drinks and alcohol.

“It’s a good idea to avoid hot or sugary drinks, and alcohol, as they can worsen dehydration,” Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said.

“If you don’t have air-conditioning, seek out cool spaces like shopping centres, libraries or swimming pools, especially during peak heat hours.

“Other ways to cool down include soaking your feet in cool water and wearing a wet bandana or washer around your neck.

“If you are outdoors, make sure you carry a bottle of water with you and wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.”

Dr Gerrard said everybody was at risk of heat-related illnesses, but infants, the elderly, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions were most vulnerable.

“Additional risk factors include working outdoors, taking certain medications, having alcohol or other drug problems, having disabilities or mobility limitations, and being physically active,” he said.

The advice was echoed by Queensland Ambulance Service paramedic Melissa Webster, who said the service was expecting a busy weekend.

“We are asking Queensdlanders to stay cool, stay safe, drink lots of water, stay at home if you can and utilise cooling assists like fans and air conditioners,” she said.

“If you can’t stay cool at home visit a cinema or a community centre.

“Don’t go outdoors, especially during the hottest part of the day between 11 and 3.”

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