Townsville Airport breaks minimum temperature record for October as North swelters

Townsville has smashed a new temperature record as a severe heatwave and wild weather swept the state’s north. Watch the video.

A Townsville University Hospital emergency department specialist has urged residents to take care of themselves amidst a heatwave that has broken records.

Dr Paul Kwa said that heatwaves have killed more people in the country across the last 100 years, and should not be underestimated.

“Heatwaves are a very serious threat to everyone in our population,” Dr Kwa said.

“They can cause a whole range of issues, from being very mild, to being life-threatening. The people at most risk are the very old to the very young, those with chronic conditions, the pregnant and those who have to work outside for their job.”

Dr Kwa said patients experiencing serious heatstroke will often feel confused, and experience high temperatures before their body begins shutting down.

“It’s really important that as soon as you think you’ve been affected by heat, you head inside, cool yourself down and make sure that you maintain your fluids,” Dr Kwa said.

“If you start vomiting, it’s really important to seek healthcare. For everyone, it’s very important to stay vigilant during a heatwave, as much as possible avoid the heat of the day and try to stay cool.

“If you do have to work outside, make sure you’re taking frequent breaks and drinking lots of water.”

The warning comes after Townsville smashed a new temperature record as a severe heatwave swept the state’s north and the region braced for wild weather this week..

The Bureau of Meteorology on Tuesday reported the minimum temperature at Townsville Airport on Monday night had reached 27.2 degrees.

The figure broke last year’s highest October minimum temperature, which was recorded as 26.1 degrees.

⚠️🌡️Severe to extreme heatwave warning continues for northern Queensland. Townsville Airport broke its highest October minimum temperature record last night with a minimum of 27.2C. Hot and humid conditions continuing until the end of the week. https://t.co/aAxFbfC85Dpic.twitter.com/P0ufie1VgQ

— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) October 25, 2022

A heatwave warning was issued by the Bureau, starting on Saturday October 23.

An extreme heatwave warning for the North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Herbert and Lower Burdekin districts was issued on Tuesday – as well as a severe warning for areas including the Upper Flinders region.

The warning runs until Friday October 28.

Maximum temperatures over North Queensland were expected to cross into the high thirties to about 40 degrees through inland areas.

Aiden Wheelhouse, 11, with Dexter tries to keep cool on the Strand. Picture: Evan Morgan

Coastal areas are expected to reach the mid thirties with minimum overnight temperatures in the mid twenties.

The Bureau also issued a warning for wild weather at 1.25pm on Wednesday.

Thunderstorms, destructive winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall were expected to impact Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Northern Goldfields, along with Upper Flinders, Central Highlands and Coalfields and Central West Forecast Districts.

“Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging, locally destructive winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours,” a spokesperson from the Bureau said.

North Queensland was bracing for wild weather on Tuedsay afternoon as the Bureau issued a warning.

“Locations which may be affected include Mackay, Proserpine, Charters Towers, Bowen, Townsville and Hamilton Island.”

The warning said a moist unstable air mass and a trough was the trigger for the wild weather which was expected to continue in the evening.

It comes as the south east of the state is being placed on storm watch.

Townsville’s upcoming forecast shows temperatures reaching a maximum of 34 degrees on Wednesday, 33 degrees on Thursday and Friday, and a high of 35 degrees on Saturday.

Sunday and Monday will reach a maximum of 33 degrees.

Ingham is forecast to reach a maximum temperature of 38 degrees on Wednesday, and temperatures of 36 for Thursday and Friday.

Ayr will reach a maximum temperature of 35 degrees for Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Originally published as Townsville Airport breaks minimum temperature record for October as North swelters