City’s hot summer nights
Heatwave may set new record
CAIRNS residents are being urged to keep cool, even at night, as the latest heatwave appears set to reach record night temperatures not experienced in more than 40 years.
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting minimum temperature records could potentially tumble as hot, dry air from the Queensland interior assaults the city.
Forecaster Rosa Hoff said the highest minimum on record was 28.4 degrees, which was recorded at the Cairns Airport weather station on February 2, 1978.
“With this heatwave, we’re expecting minimum temperatures of around 27, so certainly keep an eye out,” she said.
“By comparison, the highest maximum temperature record for Cairns at this stage was 39.5 degrees on February 21 last year.”
This heat was being caused by west to south-westerly winds dragging in hot dry air from inland Queensland.
“We’re seeing low humidity as well for the area at night, which people would be feeling as well,” Ms Hoff said.
TEMPERATURES spiked at 2pm yesterday, when the Cairns Airport recorded 38.6 degrees, less than one degree shy of last year’s maximum record. The racecourse weather station recorded 38.4 at the same time, with a brutal apparent temperature of 39.9. In the Gulf, Burketown reached 39.4 degrees just before 2pm, while Mareeba was one of the “coolest” spots with a top of 35.3 degrees.
“We also have a little bit of cloud around insulating the area, which is normally what cools things down overnight.
“But the hot air is still blowing in even at night, which is stopping that from happening and which is what’s making it feel warmer. It’s not seeing as much release off the sea breeze.”
There is a clear end in sight for the heatwave, with forecasts showing maximum temperatures dropping down to 33 degrees on Monday, coinciding with some showers over the next couple of days.
“The rainfall, and the cloud cover that comes with it will help shield us from the sun’s effects,” Ms Hoff said.
“There’s also a change in direction forecast for the wind, so there’ll be less hot, dry air coming from the southwest.”
Residents have been warned to look out for children, pets and the elderly, who are the most at risk during a heatwave.
Bats and Trees Society of Cairns president Maree Treadwell-Kerr said her team was on standby.
“We’re going to have volunteers keeping an eye on the bat populations at Port Douglas, Anderson Street and in the city over the next few days,” she said.
WITH THIS HEATWAVE, WE’RE EXPECTING MINIMUM TEMPERATURES OF AROUND 27.
editorial@cairnspost.com.au facebook.com/TheCairnsPost www.cairnspost.com.au twitter.com/TheCairnsPost