The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe heatwave warning for the Bundaberg Region, with temperatures expected to reach above 30 degrees in the next few days.
Maximum temperatures in the high twenties to low thirties are forecast, increasing to the mid thirties on Friday and Saturday, with minimum temperatures in the low to mid twenties.
Heatwave conditions are expected to gradually ease after the weekend.
A Bureau spokesperson said a heatwave occurs when the maximum and the minimum temperatures are unusually hot over a three-day period at a location.
“This is considered in relation to the local climate and past weather at the location,” the spokesperson said.
“It takes more than just a high daily maximum temperature to define a heatwave.
“It's also about how much it cools down overnight.”
The spokesperson said hot days without hot nights allow some recovery from each day's heat, but if the temperature stays high overnight, the maximum would be reached earlier the following day and would last longer.
“When unusually high night and daytime temperatures persist, heat stress becomes a critical factor in human health and whether infrastructure functions properly,” the spokesperson said.
Keep cool during a heatwave
The Bureau spokesperson said severe heatwaves could be dangerous for many people, especially the elderly, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell.
“Seek a place to keep cool, such as your home, a library, community centre or shopping centre,” the spokesperson said.
“Close your windows and draw blinds, curtains or awnings early in the day to keep the heat out of your home.
“If available, use fans or air-conditioners to keep cool.”
For information on staying safe during a heatwave go to the QLD Department of Health web page.
