Heatwave forces closures

WHILE temperatures have dropped slightly, this week’s heatwave forced the closure of one Toowoomba business.

The high temperatures forced the Lifeline Superstore on Herries St to close on Wednesday.

Lifeline Darling Downs and southwest Queensland CEO Derek Tuffield said the charity couldn’t take the risk of leaving the store open.

“The temperature inside the store, even with all the fans we had going and the roller doors up, it hit 41C inside,” Mr Tuffield said.

“The humidity was the real issue for us, it was probably more up around 47 per cent inside the shop.

“Staff and volunteers couldn't function at that temperature and humidity, it was unsafe to continue trading, so we closed.”

Mr Tuffield said staff were reallocated other roles in Lifeline for the rest of the day.

He said it was the first time in 30 years Lifeline Darling Downs had been forced to close a store because of the heat.

“It was one summer 30 years ago at the old distribution centre,” he said.

“We took proactive care of the staff, volunteers and clients, you just can’t risk it.

“We traded normally on Thursday.”

For those wanting a cooler change, there won’t be any relief until next week.

Forecasters have predicted temperatures will stay above 30C across the weekend and through to at least Tuesday.

On Saturday it will be partly cloudy with a 60 per cent chance of showers in the morning and afternoon, which could include a thunderstorm. The maximum temperature will be 30C, while the minimum is 21C.

Tomorrow it will be mostly sunny with a of top of 31C and a low of 18C.

It is predicted to drop down to a maximum of 26C on Tuesday, before dropping further to 23C on Thursday.