A slice of summer is set to hit the Sunshine Coast this week, as a heatwave encroaches on the region.
Locals can expect increased temperatures, northerly winds and the chance of storms.
A heatwave warning has been issued for a large chunk of the state, including parts of South-East Queensland. Some pockets of the region face severe conditions from Tuesday to Thursday.
The Bureau of Meteorology predicted that the thermometer could reach 32ºC at Maroochydore on Thursday and 35ºC at Nambour on Wednesday. But it could feel even warmer due to northerly winds.
There’s also the chance of showers and thunderstorms each day until about Saturday.
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BOM spokesperson Kate Doyle said the week’s weather would essentially mark the start of summer conditions.
“We’re expecting temperatures to be above average,” she said.
“This will be one of the first rounds of warm weather, which can always be a bit of a shock to the system.
“It’s a good reminder to gall your Granny and check she is aware of the situation, because they are the type of conditions that can make you a bit hot under the collar, particularly for those who are more vulnerable.”
She said the heat was due to a trough that was slowly making its way east across the state, bringing northerly winds ahead of it, dragging down a warm air mass from over central Australia.
Ms Doyle said storms were more likely from Wednesday to Friday, as the trough continued to push east and bring instability with it.
But it’s not known how much rain will be received.
“It’s difficult to say with these stormy conditions exactly how much will fall and where,” she said.
The temperature has only reached 30ºC at Maroochydore once since mid-April, on October 31, while the rain gauge has only topped 25mm once since mid-May (July 3) during a relatively dry year.
The expected hot conditions have prompted surf lifesavers to warn a likely influx of beachgoers to be safe in the water.
Surf Life Saving Queensland general manager lifesaving and education Peta Lawlor urged people to be wary.
“It’s a timely reminder to the public, to please to swim between the flags and follow directions of our surf lifesavers and lifeguards,” she said.
“With warmer weather set to return this week, we are urging people to remain vigilant, swim only between the red and yellow flags and be sure to supervise your children.”
More than 82,000 people hit the beaches of the region last weekend, when 22 rescues and 51 first aid treatments were carried out.
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