Ben McBurney, 03 Feb 2013, 3:49 AM UTC
Cooling down at last for tropical Queensland
The high temperatures experienced over central and northern Queensland
across the last week are finally set to dip from tomorrow as a strong
high pressure ridge pushes up the coast.
In the wake of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald, temperatures over northern
and central QLD have been well above average across the last week as a
hot air mass lingered over the region.
Mackay Airport reached 35.2 degrees yesterday, its hottest February
day since 1956. Mareeba climbed to 36.4 degrees on Saturday, making it
the hottest February day since 2003, and Proserpine 37.3 degrees, its
hottest February day since 2002.
The heat has been coupled with high humidity making 35 degrees feel
more like 40 degrees, making it feel very uncomfortable at times for
residents.
Today temperatures are soaring again, with places such Townsville,
Cooktown and Ingham all exceeding 35 degrees. However, relief is on
its way as a strong ridge of high pressure moves up the coast to start
off the working week.
This will return temperatures close to average for many places, and
also bring the risk of a few showers.
The good news for those regions still in flood is that these showers
are not expected to produce substantial amounts of rain. No more than
5-10mm expected each day across these regions, although heavier falls
are possible around the North Tropical Coast.
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