A LOW intensity heatwave across south-east Queensland is set to intensity temperatures across the Redlands.
Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Adam Woods said a series of troughs had drawn hot air over the state’s northern coast last weekend.
The heatwave was expected to expand across most of the state by Friday, with extreme conditions forecast for parts of central Queensland.
Daily highs have hovered between 25 and 32 degrees this month across the Redlands, with the mercury tipped to hit 35 degrees on Wednesday.
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Mr Woods said no cool reprieve was yet in sight, despite forecasts of windy conditions later today.
“It is remaining very hot there and we can’t see any relief at this stage,” he said.
The mercury is expected to dip to 29 degrees on Friday and Saturday, rising to 34 degrees by early next week.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said soaring temperatures across Queensland had contributed to unprecedented fire dangers across the state.
Firefighters had battled about 40 wildfires on Monday alone and remained on high alert, with New South Wales firefighters also helping to supplement ranks.
“We have got soaring temperatures at the moment and it is going to get worse for the south-east as we get closer to the end of the week,” she said.
“All of our efforts are dispersed right across the state. Everyone is doing their best to keep people safe and everyone just needs to listen to authorities.”
Fire dangers were the most intense at Capricornia, followed by south-east and central Queensland areas.
However, all Queenslanders were urged to be vigilant about fire threats in the hot and dry weather, with high fire dangers also threatening the north-west.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll urged all people to be alert to fire warnings and to have bushfire survival plans in place.
“Warnings are continually updated with the latest information and we need people to continue to listen out for them and follow the actions outlined within them,” she said.
“I can’t emphasise enough just how important it is for residents in exposed areas to stay informed and follow any instructions issued by emergency services, including to evacuate.”
Always call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
