Article: Brisbane tipped to reach 35 degrees

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Brisbane tipped to reach 35 degrees

Brisbane tipped to reach 35 degrees
SCOTT CASEY
November 17, 2009 - 8:29AM

As South-East Queensland swelters with temperatures reaching up to 41 degrees in some parts today, Brisbane's beleaguered train network should survive without too many problems, according to a public transport advocate.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Michael Kenepp said Brisbane was expected to reach 35 degrees, with western areas expected to get even hotter.

Robert Dow, from public transport lobby group Rail Back on Track, predicted trains could run at lower speeds today because of the heat.

"The very hot weather can cause issues with the track but what we've seen over the last few years is a progressive roll out of concrete sleepers which means the track is much more resilient to temperature variation so you're less likely to see problems," Mr Dow said.

"But there can always be issues when you've got a sudden increase in heat particularly with what is forecast out Ipswich way.

"No doubt there is a possibility of speed restrictions but we think the track is pretty good."

Mr Dow said most of the suburban rail system had been fitted with heat-resilient concrete sleepers but some areas, such as the Cleveland line, Sunshine Coast line and west on the Ipswich line, still had wood sleepers.

If speed restrictions came into force during the day it could delay trains and extend the timetable.

Mr Dow suggested commuters check the Translink website to keep up to date with any issues on the lines.

Ipswich is set to spike at 38-40 degrees and 40-41 degrees is predicted for the Lockyer Valley while sea breezes are will lead to cooler temperatures east of Brisbane, according to the weather bureau.

"It is a bit warmer than normal but the record maximum temperature in November is 41 so it's not record breaking temperatures,'' Mr Kenepp said.

"The average is about 28, so it is about eight degrees above normal.''

Overnight, temperatures in Brisbane reached 20 degrees - two degrees above the average.

There was also a chance of thunderstorms developing late in the day.

Energex spokesman Mike Swanston urged residents not to rely too heavily on their air-conditioning units.

He said by setting air-conditioners to 24 degrees residents could make a substantial impact on the temperature without any summer power usage spike.

"To make your air-conditioner even more energy efficient it's a good idea to close curtains and blinds when running the system,'' he said.

with AAP

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From the Brisbane mX 17th November 2009 page one

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