North and Far North Queensland is sweltering through the first heatwave of spring, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning that conditions may not ease for days.
The three-day warning covers as far south as the Herbert and Lower Burdekin, as well as inland, across the Cape and north to the Torres Strait.
Maximum temperatures are expected to reach between the high 30 degrees Celsius to low 40C's, with minimum overnight temperatures in the mid-20C's.
Meteorologist Kimba Wong said the conditions were unusual for October.
"In Townsville, the average maximum temperature for October is 29.5C," Ms Wong said.
"We're seeing temperatures 5C warmer than that."
In Cairns overnight temperatures stayed above 25.5C.
"Really quite warm temperatures overnight and with the humidity in the air it's really feeling warmer than that as well," she said.
By Wednesday, the city will experience maximum daytime temperatures of 35C.
"We've got this sort-of stagnant air mass sitting over Far North Queensland and those northerly winds pumping in that heat," Ms Wong said.
"And what we don't have is that cooler flash of south-easterly winds coming through."
The conditions are expected to peak Wednesday or Thursday, but temperatures will remain high.
"We do see a slight decrease in maximum temperatures as we head into the weekend," Ms Wong said.
"I'm not sure that it will be that noticeable.
"Just looking at Townsville forecasts, we've got a maximum of 34C for Wednesday and Thursday. Come Friday that dips down to 33C.
"With a bit of humidity in the air, it's going to feel quite a lot higher than that."
The Bureau said the heatwave warning was a new warning being provided for this coming season.
Taking care outdoors
SES acting area controller Vanessa Bainbridge said it was recommended that people do not go bushwalking during the heatwave.
"If you are going to do it, probably think about doing it early in the morning … before it heats up too much," she said.
Ms Bainbridge said most locals understood the conditions and tend to 'hibernate' during the summer months.
"It's those people from out of town that are not used to this heat and the Queensland sun," she said.
"It's very easy to become dehydrated."
She warned that for those wanting to be active outdoors during the heatwave, to choose an activity within their ability and to follow safety procedures, such as advising a responsible person of their plans.
Keeping furry friends cool
Young Animal Pet Society treasurer Carol Clifton said the rescue shelter had set up paddling pools for the dogs.
Ms Clifton said years of hot seasons has meant the organisation was generally well prepared to get the dogs through hot days.
"We just make sure water is topped up all day and … just keep an eye on [pets]," she said.
"Sometimes when we've got an older dog, if we find it's not coping it goes into the office in the air conditioning."
Ms Clifton said it was important to remember how dangerous high heat could be.
"It's just a matter of not taking them out walking and things like that," she said.
"It's just too hot."
