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Queensland residents are urged to safeguard against heat-related illnesses as large parts of the state are forecasted to experience prolonged severe to extreme heatwave conditions throughout the week.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) defines a heatwave as two to three consecutive days when both day-time and night-time temperatures are unusually high compared to the local long-term climate average for that location. When unusually high night and daytime temperatures persist, heat stress can negatively impact both humans and infrastructure.
The weather bureau said this is the most significant and widespread heatwave to affect the state this summer, with recorded temperatures up by as much as 11 degrees above the February average in a number of locations, including in Stanthorpe (36.6C – 11C above average) and in Toowoomba (38.4C), Warwick (39.2C), and Roma (42.7C – 10C above average), recorded last Sunday.
Queensland Health urged those in affected areas to plan ahead and take the necessary precautions to stay safe against heat-related illnesses.
“Heat-related illness can be incredibly serious and even life-threatening, which is why it’s important to take the necessary precautions and know the warning signs,” a Queensland Health spokesperson said. “Symptoms can vary from person to person, but if someone you know if exhibiting symptoms such as an elevated body temperature, flushed dry skin, a rapid pulse, headache, disorientation or loss of consciousness, they might be suffering from a heat-related illnesses and you should call Triple Zero (000) immediately.”
