We’re being urged to take precautions as temps in Ipswich and the south-east soar again today.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the mercury in Ipswich and Esk is tipped to reach a high of 39 degrees while Gatton in the Lockyer Valley will get up around 40 degrees.
The high relative humidity levels are also not helping with Ipswich measuring at 57 percent and 52 percent in Gatton.
The apparent, or “feels like” temperature has also climbed significantly, with the entire south east sweating through temperatures that feel up to seven degrees higher than what has been recorded.
QAS Senior Operations Supervisor Matthew Hannabery said that it’s really important in these protracted events that we look out for each other, especially the vulnerable in the community
“The elderly, the young children, mums or mums that are breastfeeding — it’s really important that they look after themselves and that people stay in contact with them.
“Ensure that we keep up our water intake to six to eight glasses a day, try to stay out of the direct sunlight in the middle of the day, seek cooler areas such as air-conditioning and where it’s nice and shady just to stay cool,” he said.
Senior Operations Supervisor Matthew Hannabery said that Queensland Ambulance has also had an increase in calls due to the hot conditions.
“We’ve had a fairly long run of it now over the last couple of weeks and it’s not just the heat, it’s the humidity as well and it’s just something to keep an eye on.
“Some of the side affects are things like dizziness, dry eyes and dry throat or starting to become nauseous — so if you start exhibiting any of these signs you can call us on Triple Zero,” he said.
“The advice also for everybody for Triple Zero during these times of peak demand or increased demand, is just to realise we use the triage system.
“The ambulance and paramedics will be assessing the most vulnerable and the highest acuity cases in the community and sometimes that leads to increased wait times,” Mr Hannabery said.
BOM has forecast a cool change from tomorrow due to shower and thunderstorm activity in the Ipswich region.
Rain is also expected to increase by the weekend as result of Cyclone Kirrily, which is slowly moving towards the North Queensland coast.
Click link for latest forecast for Ipswich and southeast http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/forecasts/ipswich.shtml
