Victoria Stone-Meadows

Get ready for a scorcher Port Douglas – the next seven days are set to sizzle as temperatures reach the high 30s for the first time this year.

Tuesday next week will be the hottest day of the year so far with the mercury tipped to hit 39 degrees at about 1pm.

2018 temperatures for Port Douglas have been typical from January to August but data from the Bureau of Meteorology shows temperatures have been slightly above average since September.

The soaring temperatures do not bode well for the tardy wet season arriving in the region any time soon.

The Bureau is forecasting little to no rain will accompany the extreme heat next week.

Annual rainfall for Port Douglas has been below the average of 2025mm a year since 2012, with average rain for 2018 coming in at a dismal 216mm to date.

The dry spell means no end is in sight for water restrictions in the region with Council-imposed level two restrictions still in force.

Anyone caught in breach of the restrictions will receive an on-the-spot fine of $391 for Residential Customers and $1958 for Non-Residential Customers.

The restrictions dictate water-based activities are limited including:
- Properties with an odd street number may water gardens and lawns on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday;
- Properties with and even street number may water garden and lawns on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday;
- Properties without a Council prescribed street number water on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday;

Learn more about water restrictions here