Ipswich is set for a hot end to the week as north-westerly winds drag warmer air from the state’s interior across the south-east.
Temperatures are expected to hit 40 degrees on Friday and Saturday according to Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Dean Narramore.
“It’s going to be very hot, Thursday is looking at around 39 and then Friday and Saturday are both expecting 41 degrees,” he said.
“Much of South East Queensland is expected to be about 10 or 12 degrees above average on Friday and Saturday so a burst of higher heat is on the way.”
A wind gust of 76km/h was recorded at Amberley on Monday with high winds to continue over the next few days, Mr Narramore said.
“We’re going to get another burst of westerly winds dragging the heat from central Australia to the coastal parts of Queensland and that’s why we’re seeing an extended period of heat Friday and Saturday,” he said.
Ipswich residents can expect to feel relief towards the end of the weekend but it won’t last long as temperatures are set to rise again next week.
“The wind will have a weak south-easterly change late Saturday, early Sunday but unfortunately that’s only going to drop temperatures into the mid-30s,” Mr Narramore said.
“Ipswich is likely to go back into the higher 30s possibly 40s again by mid-next week as another burst of heat comes in – there’s a hot couple of weeks on the way.”
A severe fire warning is expected to be issued for the south-east as conditions worsen.
A fire ban is currently in place for the Ipswich local government area and is expected to be extended when it is reviewed on 6 December.
“The weather we’ve got coming is really horrid with the westerlies so the fire ban will definitely get extended until at least midnight, Friday of next week, then it will be assessed week by week,” Queensland Rural Fire Service regional manager Superintendent Alan Gillespie said.
Meanwhile, with South East Queensland’s combined dam level below 60 per cent capacity, Urban Utilities is encouraging everyone to save water.
Urban Utilities spokesperson, Michelle Cull, said water restrictions were not yet needed but small efforts now would help preserve the dam levels over summer.
“If we all do our bit to save a little now, it could make a big difference down the track – we’re all in this together,” Ms Cull said.
“You can save water by turning the tap off while brushing your teeth, only washing when you have full loads, and taking shorter showers.
“You can make every drop count outside, by avoiding watering between 8am and 4pm, mulching the garden and using a pool cover when your pool is not in use.”
How to keep cool in a heatwave
- Drink 2 to 3 litres of water a day at regular intervals, even if you do not feel thirsty. If your fluid intake is limited on medical advice, ask your doctor how much you should drink during hot weather.
- Don’t drink alcohol, soft drinks, tea or coffee—they worsen dehydration.
- Eat as you normally would but do try to eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit
- Avoid heavy protein foods (e.g. meat, dairy products) which raise body heat and increase fluid loss.
- Plan your day to keep activity to a minimum during the hottest part of the day.
- If you do go out remember to slip, slop, slap.
- If you’re breastfeeding feed your baby more often and ensure you drink plenty of water.
- Give bottle-fed babies cool, boiled water between feeds.
- Provide children with small regular meals and minimise hot food.
- Do not leave children, adults or animals in parked cars.
- Provide animals with food, water and shelter.
- Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose, porous clothes.
- Use fans and air-conditioners at home to keep cool, or spend time in an air-conditioned library, community centre, shopping centre, or cinema.
There are plenty of pools across Ipswich to help you cool off, including Goodna Aquatic Centre, Georgie Conway Leichardt Community Swim Centre, Orion Lagoon and the zero depth water park at Springfield Central’s Robelle Domain Parklands.
Click here for more information on opening hours and facilities.
