Temperatures to soar as millions hit by Queensland heatwave

Temperatures could soar up to seven degrees above average across parts of Queensland as bushfires force hundreds of people to flee their homes.

Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Angus Hines says Friday will be “another hot day” for the state, with temperatures set to rise between five and seven degrees above average for this time of year across the east coast and eastern interior.

However, thunderstorms could also be on the table, with the potential for damaging wind gusts.

“We do expect to see some showers develop across the southeast as well, with possible thunderstorms,” Mr Hines warned.

“We could even see some severe thunderstorms through some southern areas.

“At the moment, it’s looking most likely that would be around the scenic rim and the border ranges, but potentially could spread through other parts of southeastern Queensland through the afternoon hours.

“If those storms do develop, expect areas of heavy rain and damaging wind gusts, dry and sunny from around about Bundaberg northwards up the east coast.”

The Bureau of Meteorology earlier issued a heatwave warning on Wednesday for much of the state’s northwestern and central regions and as far south as Brisbane.

The worst-affected areas were forecast to potentially receive extreme heatwave conditions and included territory around Mount Isa and Richmond.

A severe heatwave warning remains in place for the Gulf Country, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, North West, Channel Country, Maranoa and Warrego, Darling Downs and Granite Belt, Wide Bay and Burnett and Southeast Coast Districts.

The Bureau of Meteorology has urged residents to seek a cool place, which could include a home, library, community centre or shopping centre.

“Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many people, especially older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell,” the warning states.

“Close your windows and draw blinds, curtains or awnings early in the day to keep the heat out of your home.

“If available, use fans or airconditioners to keep cool.”

The warning comes as Mount Isa in the state’s Gulf Country recorded four consecutive days above 40C this week, including 41.5C on Tuesday.

Longreach in the state’s centre also reached 41.6C on Tuesday, while Richmond airport reached a whopping 42.8C the same day.

Further south, residents of the border town of Dirranbandi were forced to flee as two fast-moving grassfires closed in on Tuesday.

Emergency services were called to reports of a grass fire about 4km outside of Dirranbandi shortly after 2pm.

Some 500 residents were reportedly forced to flee the area as the Queensland Fire Department battled the blazes overnight.

By Thursday, the blaze was at an advice level and was burning within containment lines, with residents advised they could return.

A Public Safety Preservation Act emergency declaration was also revoked after power and mobile communications were restored to Hebel and Dirranbandi.

Brisbane was tipped to reach a maximum of 33C on Thursday and 34C on Friday amid possible thunderstorms before temperatures dip over the weekend.

Sydney was also forecast to top 30C on Friday before showers bring maximum temperatures down to the mid to low-20C over the weekend.

Mr Hines said early showers are forecast across NSW on Friday which should clear by about 7am, bringing a “sunny, hot day for most of the state”.

“That will drive high fire dangers for many areas and extreme fire dangers around the Illawarra and Shoalhaven region,” Mr Hines said.

“Temperatures in Sydney could touch 30 degrees on Friday, possibly hotter than that in the western suburbs.”However storms are expected across the state’s north east Friday afternoon, with Mr Hines warning of the possibility of heavy rain, damaging winds and even large hail to the Northern Rivers and Tablelands.

Melbourne was forecast to be cloudy and hovering around a maximum of 20C, with Canberra hitting 26C on Sunday and Adelaide 27C.

Mr Hines said light showers are expected across Victoria’s south which should clear up by about 4pm.

“But the gusty westerlies will stick around, and that keeps a bit of a cap on the temperatures. So many places in southern Victoria just in the teens for Friday,” Mr Hines said.

Perth is forecast to reach a high of 27C over the weekend, with Hobart hitting a high of 20C on Thursday and Darwin staying at 35C.

A cold front is set to sweep Tasmania with blustery winds of up to 90km/h anticipated which could “drive elevated fire danger”.