Heat wave in Queensland breaks all records

Queensland is sweltering in prolonged heat wave. The night temperature has broken all records with a number of inland towns recording temperatures above 40C for much of the past week, and a number of
locations across the state recording their highest December and highest ever temperatures.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s Regional Director Queensland said that the temperature is going to rise very high. The preliminary data show that Miles (43.8C) and Roma (44.7C) both broke long term records. And the current St George observation site was only 0.1C shy of the hottest day recorded at a nearby observation site 88 years ago in 1925.

Towns like Windorah (47.3C), Oakey (40.3C), Injune (43.2C) Charleville (46.0C) and Quilpie (46.2C) with records dating back 40-70years had their hottest December days. Longreach recorded its warmest ever night at 30.7C, breaking a 45 year record.

The extreme heat is being caused by a slow moving air mass which remains stagnant over Queensland. Without any major weather systems likely to move it out of the State in coming days, it is expected that the heat will continue until the weekend.

Given that forecast, the length and strength of this heatwave is significant, with Longreach likely to have maximum temperatures in the mid 40’s until the weekend. If that happens, it will be the first time temperatures have been so high for so long in 50 years of records.

He advised people to take proper precaution and look after the elderly and drink plenty of water.