Weather warning wrap-up: Heatwave, humid conditions continue in SEQ
Queensland Energy Minister Mick de Brenni has declared authorities are confident the network will hold up despite demand for electricity tipped to reach a new record in the next 24 hours.
Part of SEQ are currently sweltering through a heatwave, with conditions set to continue until late Saturday.
Minister Mick De Brenni has met with Energex and Origin executives today to discuss what’s coming tomorrow and over the weekend.
He says there will be significant demand, but he has been advised there will be enough supply to make sure the “lights stay on”.
“The Australian Energy Market Operator is forecasting a new record peak demand tomorrow afternoon of around 10,400 megawatts of electricity demand, so that exceeds significantly the records that were set last year,” he said.
“The assurances I want to provide to Queensland households and businesses is that our energy system is ready.
“It will be tight, but the system will be manageable.
“In fact we have done scenario planning for exactly a day like tomorrow and our system is well-prepared.”
There are predictions the mercury will rise to between 34-37 degrees, with the humidity at its peak.
The severe heat warning prompted Queensland Health to issue a public health notice urging people to monitor their health conditions and look out for loved ones and neighbours.
CHO Dr Peter Aitken warned anyone can suffer heat-related illness.
Senior BOM Meteorologist Harry Clark says relief is predicted late Saturday, early Sunday as a south-easterly change sweesp the region which slowly deliver a cooler change.
“It’s more the combination of the high humidity in conjunction with these temperatures in the low to mid 30s, which is causing these heatwave conditions.”
Press PLAY below to hear Neil Breen wrap up the weather forecast and warnings
RELATED