Cairns weather: BOM predicts heatwave for parts of Far North

The Far North can expect a return to hot, dry weather conditions for the New Year’s long weekend with a predicted heatwave on the way. HOW HOT IT COULD GET

THE Far North can expect a return to hot and dry conditions for the New Year’s Eve long weekend with a predicted heatwave tipped to make its presence felt.

Fears of a major deluge were downgraded by the Bureau of Meteorology following modest rainfall totals across the Cairns and Tablelands area, although Port Douglas and Daintree still copped a drenching.

BOM forecaster Michael Paech said the tropical low that was hovering over the Cape York had shifted offshore and was rapidly moving towards the southeast, bringing with it a respite from the rain and potential “heatwave-ish” conditions.

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“There might still be some lingering cloud around but that will start to dissipate as the day (Friday) goes on,” Mr Peach said.

“From New Year’s on we should see a reasonable amount of sun around.

“And then it should be getting quite warm, getting kind of heatwave-ish as you move inland into late next week.”

Mr Paech said temperatures could rise between five and seven per cent above average from Monday in Mareeba, Atherton and Cooktown, with 35C plus expected.

A flood warning issued for parts of the Far North was downgraded on Thursday.

However, some areas still received more than 140mm of rain in less than 24 hours and fresh flood alert warnings have been issued for residents in North Queensland.

Douglas Shire had the biggest totals in the 24 hours to 9am Thursday, including 156mm at Diwan and 152mm at Port Douglas.

Heavy falls were also recorded on the Cassowary Coast, where South Mission Beach received 147mm.

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Originally published as Cairns weather: BOM predicts heatwave for parts of Far North