Qld weather in December 2024: SEQ set for hottest day of year

Temperatures have risen into the mid-30s in parts of Queensland’s south east, prompting a warning for tourists to stay safe in the heat.

Scorching conditions set to continue across Queensland on Friday. Image via WeatherWatch

Temperatures have risen into the mid-30s in parts of Queensland’s south east, prompting Brisbane’s Lord Mayor to warn tourists to stay safe in the heat.

Brisbane has sweltered through one of the hottest days of the year and the second-hottest day of the month, reaching 31.9C by 2.00pm and a ‘feels like’ temperature of 35.7C.

West of Brisbane at Ipswich, Amberley, hit an uncomfortable 35C by 2.00pm. Gold Coast peaked at 31.2C by 11.30am before dipping to 29.7C at 2.00pm.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has cautioned Christmas tourists on remaining safe during the heatwave, urging them to be prepared for drastic weather changes over the New Year period.

“There’s a lot of visitors in town at the moment, many from southern states,” he said.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner at a media conference in Brisbane on Saturday. Picture: David Clark

“They may not be used to this kind of heat and humidity at the same time, combined with potential storms.

“But it’s just a matter of doing the practical things, to keep cool, stay indoors wherever possible, stay hydrated. It’s those simple things that will make a difference.”

Mr Schrinner also urged Queenslanders to be prepared for flooding during the wet season.

“It’s just a matter of being alert,” he said.

“Residents need to be aware of where they park their cars in particular, and if they do live in a flood zone, be careful of where they’re storing valuable goods in their home.”

It’s the region’s warmest December day in four years.

But hot and sweaty South East Queenslanders should spare a thought for those in the state’s west, who will bake in far hotter temperatures.

Queensland’s North West and Central West were the hottest parts of the state today, with temperatures above 30C by 10am. Julia Creek reached 42.3C by 2.00pm while Longreach hit 41C by 2.00pm.

Beaches on the Gold and Sunshine coasts have been packed with Christmas crowds lapping up the idyllic weather, and vacant sand is expected to be at a premium on Saturday as thousands descend to try to beat the heat.

“The beaches have been at capacity over the past few days and we’re expecting really big crowds with the hot weather forecast,” Gold Coast acting chief lifeguard Will Ashley said.

“It’ll be hard to find a carpark at beaches right up and down the coast.”

Mr Ashley urged beachgoers to be sun safe, including bringing shade shelters and plenty of water and trying to avoid the hottest part of the day.

He said a northerly sea breeze should help keep temperatures cooler on the beach but warned it could also bring in bluebottles.

A severe heatwave is impacting Queensland. Picture: BOM

“The swell is only small but conditions are choppy on the southern Gold Coast and the ocean can be unpredictable, so people should swim only between the red and yellow flags,” he said.

“We have 43 patrolled beaches open on the Coast with 280 lifeguards as well as volunteer lifesavers, so there will be plenty of options. Northern beaches and the southern sides of headlands like Burleigh will offer the best protection from the wind.”

The Queensland Ambulance Service warned of a high risk of “potentially life-threatening” heat stroke on Saturday.

A spokeswoman urged Queenslanders to seek shade, don hats and cool clothing, minimise alcohol and caffeine consumption, drink plenty of water and keep an eye on elderly neighbours and others vulnerable to heat stress.

Showers are forecast for the South East from late Saturday, with thunderstorms also possible.

Up to 10mm of rain has been tipped for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day as a trough pushes in from the west, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

Heatwave conditions are impacting large parts of Queensland. Picture: BOM

“We’re starting to see the chance of some shower and storm activity through the south east and around the coastal parts, pretty much starting from tomorrow (Saturday),” BOM meteorologist Daniel Hayes said.

“We’ll have some activity through the South East and potentially increasing around the coast through New Year’s Eve and into New Year’s Day.

“Potentially, as that trough lingers, there’s more potential for it to draw in moisture from the tropics, so we may see the amount of rain potentially increasing with that.”

Callum, 15, Lucas, 10 and Madeleine Paget, 13 from Miami cool off at North Burleigh beach. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Julia Creek Roadhouse manager Kevin Wandhani, who is experiencing his first summer in the remote western Queensland outpost after moving there a month ago, said locals were keeping their cool in the airconditioning or at the local pool.

“It rained yesterday but it’s still very hot outside and there aren’t too many travellers passing through,” he said.

“I’m staying in the aircon and will hit the pool when I finish work later. I’m from Indonesia so I’m used to the hot weather, and I also spent some time in WA.”

Originally published as Qld weather in December 2024: SEQ set for hottest day of year