Queensland is set to swelter with temperatures soaring toward 40C across the southeast of the state.
The severe conditions forecast for Friday have prompted extreme fire danger warnings and fire bans across much of the state.
Wind gusts of up to 80km/h are expected in the afternoon as a low-pressure trough sweeps across the southeast, the weather bureau says.
Brisbane is set to reach a maximum of 37C while Ipswich will sizzle in 39C heat with no chance of rain over the next week.
Extreme fire dangers will peak in the Darling Downs and Granite Belt with warnings also issued for the Maranoa, Warrego, the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Wide Bay and Burnett regions and the southeast coast.
"We are expecting the worst of those conditions to be felt throughout the southeast interior tomorrow with temperatures raised six to 10 degrees above average at this time of year," forecaster Kimba Wong said.
"It is a severe start to the fire season with conditions worse than last year."
Bushfires are already burning across Queensland on the Darling Downs near Laidley, and south of Gympie.
No evacuations had been ordered on Thursday, but residents are warned to remain on alert for Friday's extreme conditions.
Conditions will ease over the weekend, but the fire warning remain in place.
Paramedics warned people to stay hydrated and take regular breaks - especially those working outside.
Australian Associated Press
