A tropical low is expected to intensify into a cyclone within days, with Australians warned to brace for ‘severe consequences’ as millions of others sweat through a heatwave.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) is monitoring a slow-moving tropical low-pressure system off the north-east coast of Queensland, which will ‘continue to strengthen into a tropical cyclone’ over the next 24 hours.
Cyclone Kirrily is expected to intensify to category three before crossing the Queensland coast between Cairns and Mackay on Wednesday.
Meteorologist Steve Hadley urged Queenslanders to stay aware of weather warnings in the coming days.
Meanwhile, all mainland states and territories except the ACT and Victoria were issued heatwave warnings as temperatures soar from Sunday.
Sydney will experience its hottest day of the year yet, with temperatures in the CBD rising to 37 degrees Celsius, while people in Penrith will feel the heat rise to 40 degrees Celsius.
Millions of Australians escape the heat (pictured) after the Bureau of Meteorology issues a heatwave warning for about half the country
Areas of Western and South Australia, New South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory will all see temperatures in the low 40s (photo, Bondi Beach)
Low to extreme heatwaves will affect about half the country between Sunday and Tuesday, stretching all the way from the west coast, through central Australia and down to the east and northeast coasts.
However, the heat will be worst in far western and northern NSW, with Tibooburra expected to reach 43 degrees Celsius.
The severe heat will extend into northern NSW, with the north-west slopes and plains remaining warm until the middle of next week.
Highs of high 30s to low 40s are forecast for towns in the north, including Moree.
Mr Hadley said the low-pressure system off Queensland’s coast “could bring heavy rainfall” to areas further south of where it touches land between Cairns and Mackay.
The area is still recovering from Cyclone Jasper which devastated the coastline with heavy rain and winds of more than 100mph.
An update on the BoM cyclone on Sunday morning warned that ‘severe coastal impacts are possible, particularly if the system crosses near or south of Townsville’.
“We really want people to just keep up to date with the weather forecasts and warnings, and if you live in an area of the coastline that may be affected by the cyclone this week, it’s time to look at things now,” said Mr Hadley. said.
The tropical low is expected to intensify into a cyclone Monday night.
Once the cyclone passes the coast, it is expected to soften to a tropical low and move south, bringing intense rainfall to parts of southern Queensland.
Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Chris Stream warned residents of affected areas not to drive during heavy rain or flash flooding.
BOM is also warning Queenslanders near Cairns of a low pressure system in the Coral Sea that could develop into a cyclone throughout the week (pictured)
The area is still recovering from Cyclone Jasper, which devastated the coast in December with heavy rainfall and winds of up to 160 km/h (photo)
“Those vehicles float very well in the water – they lose traction and the vehicles get washed away,” he said.
Mr Stream also warned that forensic crash investigators had “dispelled the myth that you would remove the headrest from your seat and use it to smash a window.”
“You cannot leave your vehicle.”
About 40,000 people in northern Queensland were left without power after Cyclone Jasper made landfall in December.
Subsequent ‘cyclonic’ storms over the Christmas period killed ten people, including a teacher and a nine-year-old girl, due to flooding and rough seas.
While Queenslanders will wait with bated breath to see if another cyclone will hit the coast, BoM has also issued several heatwave warnings for the next three days.
Extreme heatwave conditions are forecast to hit Western Australians from Exmouth to Paraburdoo and across the border into South Australia, with temperatures reaching the mid-40s Celsius.
Northwestern South Australia is also expected to experience similar extreme heatwaves in the coming days.
BoM also warned areas in the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales to be prepared for temperatures reaching the high 30s and 40s through the early part of the week.
The agency warned that older and younger people, pregnant and breastfeeding women and people who feel ill or have medical conditions are most at risk during heat waves.
“Find a place to stay cool, such as your home, a library, community center or shopping center,” is BOM’s safety advice.
‘Close your windows and draw blinds, curtains or shades early in the day to keep the heat out of your home.’