A heatwave health warning has been issued by Queensland Health, with severe to extreme conditions expected from Wednesday until Friday.
The Bureau of Meteorology predicted extreme heatwave conditions in areas extending from Bribie Island, north of Brisbane, up to Rainbow Beach near Gympie, and parts of the Mackay and Isaac regions.
Severe heatwave conditions are likely to impact areas extending between the Gold Coast and Mackay, and inland to Longreach.
On the Sunshine Coast, temperatures are set to reach 38 degrees Celsius at Nambour, 37 at Maroochydore, Caloundra and Noosa and 35 at Maleny, but it will likely feel even hotter due to northerly winds.
Minimums should be no lower than 21.
There’s also the chance of thunderstorms each afternoon/evening.
Queensland Health issued an Emergency Warning on Tuesday at 5.45pm.
“Make sure you know what to do when there is a heatwave warning in your area,” they said.
See measures to stay safe at the Heatwave Service for Australia website.
Heat stress can cause a range of health problems, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
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“If you are concerned you, or your loved one, is affected by one of these, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25) or visit your doctor. Call Triple Zero (000) immediately in an emergency.”
Meanwhile, Surf Lifesaving Queensland lifeguards and lifesavers have called on beachgoers to stay safe, especially when visiting beaches outside of patrol hours.
SLSQ lifesaving services manager Natalie Edwards said the highest risk during heatwaves was when people went swimming late in the day outside of patrol hours, in non patrolled areas, and especially if going into the water in darkness.
“We know that many people flock to our beaches and coastal areas to cool off in the afternoons and evenings especially if they don’t have air conditioning in their homes,” she said.
“While we want everyone to continue enjoying our beaches we remind them to consider safety as a top priority. Remember to drink plenty of water, slip slop slap with the sun screen but also think about where the best places are to swim and know your limits when going into the water.”
For more information about heat-related illness, as well as tips on understanding your risk and caring for vulnerable people (including the elderly, pregnant or young kids) in hot weather, visit the Queensland Health website.
