Brisbane Endures Hottest Australia Day in Decades Amid Statewide Heatwave

Brisbane has sweltered through its hottest Australia Day since 1998, with temperatures soaring to a scorching 38 degrees Celsius.

 

Senior meteorologist Baden Gilbert reported that regions from the Channel Country to the south-east experienced temperatures up to 8°C above average for the public holiday.

 

"It's looking like it's going to be a pretty hot Australia Day for the south-east with temperatures sitting well above their January averages," he said.

 

"It's probably going to be the hottest January 26th we've seen in Brisbane this century.

 

"Going back to 1998 we did observe temperatures up to around 40°C out near Ipswich and 35 plus at the airport.

 

"So that'll be a record that we're looking to see if we get close to."

 

In Toowoomba, the mercury reached 35°C, with forecasts predicting a peak of 37°C for the day.

 

The Lockyer Valley saw temperatures climb to 38.9°C, on track for a maximum of 40°C.

 

The Gold and Sunshine Coasts experienced slightly cooler conditions, with maximum temperatures in the low 30s.

 

While the south-east baked under the heatwave, northern Queensland faced a different challenge.

 

The Bureau of Meteorology forecasted up to 110 millimeters of rain for Townsville on Monday and up to 180mm for Cairns between now and Wednesday.

 

By 2:30 pm, Townsville had recorded 33mm since 9 am.

 

Mr. Gilbert noted a "broad risk of showers" stretching from the Whitsundays north.

 

"We could see totals in excess of 50mm or 70mm per day in that area depending on exactly where the showers and storms form," he said.

 

"But we're also expecting it to contract back away from Townsville and into Far North Queensland as we go into Tuesday and Wednesday."

 

Flood watches and warnings remain in place for parts of the state, with the Flinders River near the Gulf of Carpentaria under a major warning.

 

A moderate flood warning was issued for Cooper Creek at Windorah, with minor flooding for the Thomson and Barcoo rivers in areas including Longreach and Jundah.

 

Minor warnings are also in effect for the Norman, Suttor, and Diamantina rivers, while all warnings for the Fitzroy have been canceled.

 

With the promise of sweltering, humid days to come, Sunshine Coast public health physician Nicolas Smoll emphasized the importance of staying cool and hydrated.

 

He advised residents to identify "cool spaces" to retreat to if the heat becomes overwhelming, to drink plenty of water, and to ensure sunscreen and shade are available when outdoors.

 

"Even Queenslanders aren't immune to heat exhaustion," Dr. Smoll said.

 

"While we are used to warm weather, extreme heatwaves, especially with the high Queensland humidity, make it harder for sweat to evaporate.

 

"It's really important that Queenslanders treat heatwaves seriously, regardless of your usual tolerance."

 

He also stressed the importance of checking on vulnerable individuals throughout the day to ensure they can stay cool.

 

Dr. Smoll highlighted symptoms of heat stroke, including altered mental states such as confusion, slurred speech, or unusual aggressive behavior.

 

"The skin will be dry and very hot," he said.

 

"You may even stop sweating entirely when you're this hot."

 

An increasing pulse and rapid, shallow breaths are also key symptoms.

 

"It's probably time to call Triple Zero if you're noticing these signs and symptoms."

 

As temperatures rise, crowds are likely to flock to beaches across south-east Queensland to seek relief from the heat.

 

Authorities urge everyone to stay vigilant, stay hydrated, and look out for one another during this extreme weather event.

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