City set to swelter as heatwave homes in

TOWNSVILLE’S temperature next week is expected to rise almost 5C above average as a heatwave passes through the northern part of the state.

Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Sam Campbell said Townsville would largely avoid the brunt of the severe to extreme intensity heatwave forecast for North and Central Queensland at the weekend.

But he said the heatwave would bump the temperatures up above both the October minimum and maximum temperatures: rare for the tropics.

“Even a few degrees above average can be a rare event,” Mr Campbell said. “Twentythree, 24, 25C: it’s going to be warm during the nights.

“The worst of ( the heatwave) will stick to the central regions.”

The average October maximum for Townsville is 29.5C whereas the minimum average is 20.7C.

Today, the temperature is expected to get up to 33C while Tuesday night is expected to be an uncomfortable 25C.

Brian Lehane, officer- incharge of Townsville Ambulance Station, said it was important to not only look after yourself during this warm period but your neighbours too.

“You can get dehydrated and that can lead to you having heat stroke or sun stroke. Extreme cases, it can be fatal,” Mr Lehane said.

“Check on people that aren’t able to look after themselves properly like elderly relatives or neighbours, and especially keep an eye out on young children and babies.”

He said the best way to prevent such issues was to cover up in the sun, staying hydrated by avoiding diuretic-type drinks like tea, coffee and alcohol, and find a cool place during the day.

Mr Lehane said dehydration started with lethargy and a state of confusion, or difficulty to rouse.

He said if anyone had any concerns to phone triple 0.