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Heatwaves, cyclones in national forecast

A mixed bag of heatwaves and possible floods, fires and cyclones are among the weather bureau's predictions for the final days of the year.

Strong winds lash trees.

Queenslanders are preparing themselves for days of wild weather courtesy of tropical Cyclone Owen. (AAP) Source: AAP

Between heatwaves and possible floods, fires and cyclones. There's little good news in the national weather forecast for the final days of 2018.

The mixed bag of predictions is set to see temperatures soar well above average and rainfall records continue to tumble.

Queenslanders could soon be bracing for the first cyclone of the season, as a monsoon trough develops over the north of the continent.

The state is set to see the most variety in conditions with pre-New Year's Eve temperatures, ranging from a balmy 32C and sea breezes on the Gold and Sunshine coasts, warming to 38C around Gatton, Toowoomba and Warwick.

Those west and north west of Darling Downs will want their air conditioners at the ready as temperatures reach in excess of 40C, and the Bureau of Meteorology has warned no real sign of relief is in sight.

December monthly rainfall records have already been shattered in the far north, but more "significant falls" are expected in coming days, prompting a major flood warning for the Daintree River and flood watches for the Mossman, Mulgrave and Russell rivers.

Poor air quality is set to be an issue in Sydney on Thursday when temperatures range between 29C in the city's east and 39C in the west.

Severe heatwave conditions are on the cards for the state's south east, while the mercury is expected to reach 41C in the central west and 44C in the Riverina.


2 min read

Published

By Saleem Al-Fahad




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