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Far North Queensland heatwave emergency warning issued

With “feels like” temps pushing 40C in the Far North, the state health department is calling on residents to protect themselves from the extreme weather, issuing an emergency warning.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a heatwave warning for North Queensland. Picture: iStock
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a heatwave warning for North Queensland. Picture: iStock

With “feels like” temperatures pushing 40C in the Far North, the state’s health department is calling on residents to protect themselves from the extreme weather, issuing an emergency warning.

Following advice from the Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland Health on Tuesday issued an “extreme heatwave” warning for the Far North – affecting Cairns, Ingham and surrounding areas.

While residents may feel like they’ve already been sweltering for weeks, much of the Far North was only regarded as experiencing “low-intensity” heatwave on Monday, with the severe categorisation commencing on Tuesday and expected to last into the weekend.

“These conditions are forecast to continue this week and are expected to reach a severity that may pose a health risk to those in the affected areas,” the Queensland Health warning read.

Queensland Ambulance Service manager of clinical education for the Far North region Scott Cooper in late 2024 warned of the dangers that heatwave conditions can have on the vulnerable and elderly. Picture: Brendan Radke
Queensland Ambulance Service manager of clinical education for the Far North region Scott Cooper in late 2024 warned of the dangers that heatwave conditions can have on the vulnerable and elderly. Picture: Brendan Radke

“While extreme heatwave conditions are no longer impacting areas of The Cape and Mackay regions, parts of Far Northern, northern and central Queensland continue to experience severe heatwave conditions.”

The department’s advice to residents included making plans in case of electricity blackouts, storing essential foods and medication at safe temperatures as well as tips to stay cool and hydrated.

These included remaining indoors during the hottest parts of the day, closing windows to keep the heat out, drinking up to eight glasses of water per day, avoiding alcohol, hot or sugary drinks and using sun safe techniques such as hats, long-sleeved clothing and sunscreen when going out.

Colombian nationals Alex Castiblanco, Yesica Ravelo, Andrea Garcia and Hernan Vergara soaked in some sunlight at the Cardwell Jetty while on a road trip from Cairns to Airlie Beach during their Far North Queensland holiday as the region swelters through a heatwave. Picture: Arun Singh Mann
Colombian nationals Alex Castiblanco, Yesica Ravelo, Andrea Garcia and Hernan Vergara soaked in some sunlight at the Cardwell Jetty while on a road trip from Cairns to Airlie Beach during their Far North Queensland holiday as the region swelters through a heatwave. Picture: Arun Singh Mann

The department also reminded residents not to leave pets or kids in parked cars, and to keep an eye on elderly friends and neighbours.

According to the BoM maximum temperatures across inland parts of north Queensland were expected from the low to mid-40s, while along the coast it would be mid to high-30s.

“Severe heatwave conditions are expected to contract to the central and northern Queensland coast later in the week as a milder southerly change extends over inland Queensland from Thursday,” the BoM’s heatwave update on Tuesday read.

On Tuesday, the mercury at Cairns Racecourse peaked at 11am with a reading of 34.4C and an apparent temperature of 40.2C.

The heatwave situation for three days starting Tuesday, January 14 2025. Picture: Bureau of Meteorology
The heatwave situation for three days starting Tuesday, January 14 2025. Picture: Bureau of Meteorology

Across the region, Cooktown was hottest at midday with a real temp of 35.6C and an apparent temp of 41.2C, Innisfail reached 34.2C at 11.30am where it felt like 40.6C and Mareeba hit 34.3C at 1.20pm with an apparent temperature of 36.8C.

For the week ahead, the BOM is predicting daily maximums of 35C for Cairns until Sunday, with less than 50 per cent chance of rain each day.

The next heatwave warning is expected to be issued by 3pm, Wednesday, January 15.

Originally published as Far North Queensland heatwave emergency warning issued

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/cairns/far-north-queensland-heatwave-emergency-warning-issued/news-story/d2310e008a48dcdba9aadf5913030321