IN his native German home it is snowing with temperatures well below zero, so a sweltering banana shed west of Atherton is a far cry for backpacker Sebastian Kaess.

The Tableland town took the dubious honour of being the hottest spot in the region yesterday with a top of 36.4C, but it was business as usual for those doing the hard yards picking fruit and farming.

"In the shed it was 40 degrees and outside, we put a thermometer in direct sunlight and it was 50 degrees," Mr Kaess said.

"Right now in Germany it's snowing. But I'm used to it now, I like it.

"I drink plenty of water and wear a cold towel around my neck which is pretty good."

Atherton residents spent yesterday scampering for spots to escape the torrid temps with the town pool proving a popular place.

Lifeguard Sarah Gamp said it had been hectic all day, although the afternoon had seen a major influx.

"At the moment (4pm) there's about 70 or 80 in the water, but we've had a constant stream of people coming through," she said.

Refreshing ales were also high on the priority list and Barron Valley Hotel staff member Regina Nasser said they had done a roaring trade.

"It's been hectic," she said.

The Tableland can expect some slight relief with temperatures in Atherton and Mareeba dropping back to around 33C today, the same temperature forecast for Cairns.

Duty forecaster Bill O'Connor said coastal areas may get a light afternoon shower, but the dry conditions were set to continue at least through the weekend.

"There's nothing significant in any of the rainfall we'll see," he said.

"We'll stay with that southeasterly/northeasterly wind flow which will feel a bit cooler."

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