Mount Isa locals experienced that famous “cool change” our state weather reporters are always citing, as temperatures dropped to single digits last week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A record low temperature for April was recorded in Mount Isa on the morning of Sunday April 30 at just 5.8 degrees, a spokesperson from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) confirmed.
“The previous record was 6.2 degrees in 2004 for the same day, so we have actually broken the record for April,” the spokesperson said.
The last time it was this cold was last year when the temperature went down to 4.8 degrees in August.
“This is the lowest record for April as far as I know,” they said.
The coldest temperature ever recorded in Mount Isa was more than 30 years ago at -2.9 degrees on July 7 1984.
May is known as a ‘transitional’ month, meaning the temperatures are going to gradually get colder as we move towards the winter season.
With the colder weather comes a risk of colds and flu, as many people's immunity drops during seasonal changes.
Tourism season is also picking up in the north west with winter being the busiest time of year to visit the outback, and this brings with it an increased risk of infection from airborne bacteria and viruses.
Many general practitioners and pharmacies have begun to promote this year’s influenza vaccine to children and adults.
The outlook for May sees a gradual drop in temperatures but little rain on the horizon.
Overnight temperatures remain in the late teens this week with Thursday night's low at 18, Friday and Saturday at 19, and Sunday at 18 degrees.
Possible rainfall remains at 0mm for much of the week, with a very slight chance of rain on Friday.
On Tuesday May 9 the overnight low reaches 16 degrees, and there is just a 30% chance of rain predicted.
Lake levels remain steady despite the lack of rain, with regular water restrictions still in place.
Mount Isa Water Board confirms Lake Moondarra is at 60.6 per cent capacity and Lake Julius is at a healthy 95 per cent, as of Tuesday May 2.
If you have any great weather pictures, send them to esther.macintyre@fairfaxmedia.com.au
