A heatwave affected the north tropical and central coasts of Queensland from 24 November 2018. A deep low to the east of southern New South Wales directed a warm and dry westerly airflow across Queensland, enabling several days of well above average maximum and minimum temperatures. 

A number of locations reported their highest daily maximum temperature on record for November, or for any month, with some locations breaking their previous record by a large margin. While overnight temperature records were less common, minimum temperatures were still very much above average, providing no meaningful relief from the heat.   

Extreme heatwave conditions were observed in an area from Lockhart River to Shoalwater Bay on the Capricornia coast, extending to adjacent inland districts. Strong westerly winds, high temperatures and low humidity brought elevated fire danger. 

High temperatures became established around the central coast of Queensland from 24 November, with the anomalous warmth extending to the north tropical coast by the 25th. Extremely hot days exceeding 40 °C occurred on the 26th around Cooktown, Cairns, Innisfail, Townsville, Proserpine and Mackay. The heat was confined to the north tropical coast on the 27th, with both Cairns Aero and Cooktown recording two consecutive days above 42 °C on the 26th and 27th for the first time. By the 28th, the heat encompassed an area from around Cooktown south to Gladstone.

We discuss the record high daily temperatures and record run of consecutive hot days, the heatwave severity, and fire weather across the tropical Queensland coast during this event.