Residents of Far North Queensland have recently experienced two severe weather events, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the region's climate. From extreme heat to unusual hailstorms, Cairns and surrounding suburbs have been the focus of significant weather warnings.
On January 15, 2025, Queensland Health issued emergency warnings due to continuous extreme heatwave conditions affecting areas including Cairns and its surroundings. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) reported “feels like” temperatures pushing up to 40°C, prompting health officials to urge locals to take precautions against potential heat-related illnesses.
“The Bureau of Meteorology advises extreme heatwave conditions continue to affect Far North Queensland,” stated Queensland Health. “These conditions are forecast to continue this week and are expected to reach severity levels posing health risks.” Residents were encouraged to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during peak temperatures, and monitor the health of vulnerable members of their community.
If the heatwave wasn’t alarming enough, residents of Cairns received another shock when they encountered unexpected hailstorms the following day, January 16. Reports flooded social media as residents captured the unusual weather event on camera. “Amazing for Cairns itself,” highlighted one Facebook post as locals shared videos of hail bouncing on the ground.
North Queensland Aero Club also noted on their social media, “Wild weather in the region this afternoon” as they relayed information on 1-2 cm sized hail seen across the southern suburbs, particularly Edmonton and Mount Sheridan. The intensity of the storm left many residents stunned. “Definitely hail in it; I was driving from Cairns to Edmonton, and the road was flooded too,” reported one resident, underscoring how unprecedented the hailstorm was for the area.
“Hail at Bentley Park,” stated another resident, “I risked running out in the storm to get some. About the size of small cherries.” Local reactions echoed disbelief and excitement as families documented the storm, which was remarkable compared to previous experiences.
Yet, these weather phenomena come with risks. Alongside the stunning visuals of the hailstorm, warnings of damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding were issued by the BoM. Local meteorologists were closely monitoring the situation to provide real-time updates to the residents.
Sharyn Hauff, another resident, remarked, “This never happened before and I’ve lived here all my life,” highlighting how the community was adjusting to such drastic climatic shifts. Many shared similar sentiments, describing feelings of confusion and surprise at the severity of both the heatwave and the hailstorm.
Both weather events showcase the increasingly erratic climate patterns observed globally, with communities like Cairns facing unique challenges. These changes have prompted questions among residents about the future of their environment and the interventions necessary to protect their health and homes.
Local health authorities have stressed the importance of safety measures during extreme heat conditions. Signs of heat stress can include excessive sweating, weakness, and headaches, leading to conditions like heat exhaustion or heatstroke, which can be serious if left untreated. Residents are advised to take these warnings seriously.
Meanwhile, the unexpected hailstorm has caught attention not only for its rarity but also for its potential impact on property and agriculture. There is concern within the farming community about how such weather events can affect crops. The phenomenon raises questions about infrastructure and disaster management measures needed to handle unusual severe weather.
Queensland Health has committed to revisiting the heatwave health warning if conditions change. They emphasized staying connected with family and neighbors throughout this period to look out for one another, especially among the elderly and vulnerable. “Stay informed and prepared, and look out for each other,” reiterated health officials.
This series of unpredictable weather events serves as a reminder of the increasing volatility of climate patterns. Cairns residents are being urged not only to heed weather warnings but also to engage proactively with regional authorities about potential climate adaptation strategies to mitigate the associated risks.
The severe weather witnessed in Far North Queensland is emblematic of broader global changes, making it imperative for communities to adapt to these new realities. Local discussions about sustainable practices and emergency preparedness are becoming more relevant, as residents confront the immediate effects of extreme weather on their daily lives.