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The Bureau of Meteorology was forecasting the most intense conditions to be between Mackay and Gympie, where severe heatwave conditions are forecast.
Being on the northern fringe will deliver a slight reprieve for Mackay with temperatures expected to reach about 34C on Monday, more than four degrees above the February average of 29.7C.
But the forecast high of 34C would still be below the hottest day of the month for 2021 which the bureau recorded on February 8.
Records showed that Monday had a sweltering 26.5C minimum, and 35.1C maximum.
The looming hot conditions will be noticeable after temperatures struggled to crack the 30C range since Tuesday, February 16.
A shocking image of an overturned ute in floodwaters at Finch Hatton has prompted community members to drive home the ever-present wet weather message: If itâs flooded, forget it.
Warren âWazzaâ Swadling of Platypus Bush Camp at Finch Hatton shared the image of the car on Facebook on Saturday.
It shows a ute turned over on its side, caught in floodwaters at a Finch Hatton crossing.
The rain gauge nearby shows waters approaching one metre in height. A ute caught in flood waters at the first crossing near Finch Hatton. Picture: Contributed by Warren Swadling
Mr Swadling said he was âsafe and dryâ at home but warned people to be cautious on the roads.
Janessa Ekert Journalist I didn’t always want to be a journalist. In fact, when I was younger my dream was to be an archaeologist – who wouldn’t want to be like Indiana Jones? However, now that I am a journalist, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else with my life.
I love listening to people’s stories and sharing them with others.
I’m a Queenslander through and though. Mackay is the furthest south I have ever lived. I’m an only child and I was raised in Airlie Beach.
My parents are former boaties; we lived on a 42 foot.
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Subscriber only A popular Mackay forest and 4WD track has closed to the public as ex-tropical cyclone Imogen continues to deliver heavy rain and flooding. A HQPlantations announcement stated Cathu State Forest would be shut until at least Thursday, January 14 when staff could assess risks and road conditions. The business has also closed its plantations on the Hinchinbrook Coast, specifically around Ingham and Cardwell. HQPlantations is appealing to the public to respect these closures so that safe and responsible access to the plantations can be restored as soon as possible, the public announcement stated. People should not attempt to clear plantation roads of fallen trees and other debris.
6th Jan 2021 12:03 PM | Updated: 7:56 PM
UPDATE 3PM: A severe weather warning for the Whitsunday region, lower Burdekin and central coast has been cancelled. This may lead to flash flooding in the northeast tropics and central coast. The Bureau of Meteorology says the situation will continue to be monitored and severe thunderstorm warnings will be issued if necessary. Minor flooding is expected along the Don River with Russells Crossing at Telegraph Rd in Bowen closed to all traffic. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should: Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. If it s flooded, forget it. Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.