Heat Health Alert for inland parts of Far North Queensland
10 Dec 2023
A severe heatwave warning has been issued for the Peninsula, Gulf Country and North Tropical Coast and Tablelands Districts.
Maximum temperatures are expected to reach the high 30s to low 40s over Far North Queensland and inland parts of the state, and closer to mid-30s near the coast.
Severe heatwave conditions are expected to peak over the next few days and will ease depending on the impacts associated with Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
Make sure you know what to do when there is a Heatwave Warning in your area. Stay informed by visiting the Heatwave Service for Australia website.
Take the below measures to keep yourself and your loved ones safe:
Plan and prepare
- Monitor the weather using Bureau of Meteorology's Heatwave Service.
- Store food and medication at a safe temperature.
- Plan ahead if the electricity goes out.
- Know who to call if you need help.
- Follow your doctor’s advice if you have any medical conditions.
Stay as cool as possible
- Try to be indoors during the hottest part of the day.
- Close windows and doors to keep the heat out.
- Use air conditioning.
- Avoid or reduce strenuous activities.
- If you have to go outside, be sun safe by wearing a hat, long sleeves and light clothing, seeking shade where possible and applying sunscreen every two hours.
Drink water regularly and stay hydrated
- Drink water (between 6-8 glasses each day).
- Avoid alcoholic, hot or sugary drinks including tea and coffee (they can make dehydration worse).
- If you go outside, carry a bottle of water with you.
Look out for each other
- Keep in contact with elderly friends, neighbours and relatives during a heat wave in case you, or they, need help.
- Don’t leave children or pets in parked cars.
Heat stress can cause a range of health problems, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
For more information about heat-related illness, as well as tips on understanding your risk and caring for vulnerable people (including the elderly, pregnant or young kids) in hot weather, visit the Queensland Health website.
Queensland Health will issue an update if health advice changes.
