Temps turn up M1 heat
BEACHES are tipped to be packed and the roads busy as warm temperatures and high humidity drive Gold Coasters and visitors to the surf.
Forecasters say the high humidity will continue over the coming days, but a southerly change is bringing relief from high temperatures.
Maximum temperatures were expected to drop to 27 or 28 degrees Celsius today and tomorrow. The weather bureau forecast moderate winds of 20-25km/h.
Last night the Gold Coast reached a high of 90 per cent humidity after yesterday was recorded as the hottest day in six months, reaching a scorching 32C.
Pacific Mwy traffic is expected to be heavy as Brisbane residents head for the beaches to escape forecast temperatures in the capital of 29C today and 30C tomorrow.
RACQ spokeswoman Lucinda Ross said motorists should avoid peak times on the M1 in the morning and afternoon.
“When there is a hot weekend there will be more people on the M1 as people head from Brisbane to hit the beach,” she said.
“Our advice to motorists is to plan ahead and avoid peak times.’’
Acting chief lifeguard Chris Maynard said the ocean temperature was expected to be a pleasant 24C.
Lifeguards are expecting a busy weekend.
“Beaches have been crowded right through the Coast this week, so I don’t expect it to be any different,” Mr Maynard said.
Retailers yesterday reported fans were in big demand.
A Big W Pacific Fair spokesman said the store had sold about 60 over the past two days.
The RSPCA warned pet owners to monitor their birds and animals in the heat.
“If it’s 30 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car can potentially rise to well over 40 degrees in less than five minutes,” RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty said.
Relief is expected next week, with the Bureau of Meteorology saying temperatures would cool down to an average of 25-26C.
IF IT’S 30 DEGREES OUTSIDE, THE TEMPERATURE INSIDE A CAR CAN POTENTIALLY RISE TO WELL OVER 40 DEGREES IN LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES.
MICHAEL BEATTY