While temperatures are rising across the country, grey nomads currently travelling in outback Queensland are probably getting a lot more heat than they bargained for.
And, worst of all, the night-time temperatures aren’t offering much relief.
In many parts of the state, days of over 40 degrees Celsius are expected.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, temperatures in Mount Isa are expected to hover around 41C today and tomorrow, before dropping slightly to 39C on Saturday and 38C on Sunday.
The ABC reports that people in Boulia will also sizzle through 44C today, while Winton will see the mercury reach 43C.
Outback temperatures are soaring. PIC: Fabio Partenheimer / Pexels
A Bureau spokesperson told the broadcaster that it is the longest stretch of hot November days since 2020.
“Heat like this does not happen all that often but it is not uncommon to see these heatwaves in this region at this time of year,” the Bureau’s Daniel Hayes told the ABC.
And there isn’t going to be much relief when the sun goes down.
“What we see with heatwaves is above-average minimum temperatures,” Mr Hayes said. “At least at other times in the year, if you get a hot day, you’ll have those minimum temperatures taking the edge off overnight — but with hot minimum temperatures you don’t get that cooling.”
However, the ABC reports that relief is on its way in the form of widespread thunderstorms expected on Saturday evening in some parts, or early next week in other Outback communities.
Bureau data suggests light falls between 1 millimetre and 15mm are expected while temperatures across rural Queensland will drop to the mid-to-high 30C mark.
“Onshore winds along the east coast will increase moisture across the state into next week resulting in more widespread shower and thunderstorm activity across the interior,” the Bureau said on its website.
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Back in 1977 we went to Mt Isa with 3 children in a caravan without airconditioning or an awning then down to Boulia and down to Windorah then down to Adelaid all this was during summer and yes it was hot but I think people are including me getting too soft and spoilt for comfort.