Scorching weather predicted for Queensland

Heatwave set to blaze across Queensland for next few days, ABC News, By Aneeta Bhole and staff, 21 Dec 18, Scorching weather has been predicted over the next four days in Queensland, with temperatures set to soar over 40 degrees Celsius in the state’s western interior.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has predicted north-west and central-west Queensland will see temperatures of up to 43C, while the south-west of the state will reach close to 50C.

BOM meteorologist Nicholas Shera said forecasters were expecting low to severe heatwave conditions, with some extreme heatwave conditions in areas of north-west Queensland, the central-west, and especially in the south-west.

At 3:00pm on Wednesday, temperatures reached 42C in Longreach, 44C in Mount Isa and 48C in Birdsville.

“People should take all the precautions they need to avoid too much exposure to the heat,” Mr Shera said.

Mr Shera said despite their familiarity with high temperatures, it was important for people in the region to be cautious.

“In 2017 we saw quite a few temperatures in the low to mid-40s for much of western Queensland, and in 2016 we saw similar heatwaves as well,” Mr Shera said.

“But what’s interesting [this time] is we’re also seeing overnight lows in the hot 20s. For example, in Longreach we’re seeing a low of 29C, when you’d expect overnight lows to only be about 22C.”….. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-20/heatwave-weather-across-queensland/10634450