“Closer to the coast, we just don’t get quite as warm with those maximums, and we do also get, still, some cooler minimum temperatures.”
“You still see 15,16, 17 [degrees]”
The Health Department issued extreme heat warnings for central and western parts of Queensland on Wednesday, including Mount Isa and regions north-west of Townsville.
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Further south, Sydney recorded temperatures as high as 39.8 degrees on Wednesday, compared to Brisbane’s 29.5 maximum at about 1.30pm.
The heatwave came coupled in NSW with a total fire ban, with the state’s fire services reporting 50 fires burning by 6pm on Wednesday – 12 of which were uncontrolled.
Large parts of Central and Northern Queensland also remained under a total fire ban on Wednesday, including 15 local government areas.
Queensland Health urged anyone in an area affected by a heatwave to remain in the shade when possible, keep hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of heat stress, which can include dehydration, heat cramps in the legs and abdomen, or heat exhaustion, was advised to monitor symptoms, rest, and slowly restore fluids.
If someone suffering heat exhaustion did not improve, began vomiting, or was showing signs of heat stroke Queensland Heath said emergency medical assistance was required.
