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A 24-hour fire ban has been announced for areas from Noosa to the Gold Coast, as well as the Scenic Rim and Somerset regions, due to increased fire risks.
The Queensland Fire Department has stated that the ban will remain in effect until midnight on Tuesday, citing the elevated fire danger conditions.
The state is currently experiencing an unusual heatwave, further intensified by the possibility of thunderstorms, which could exacerbate hazardous fire conditions.
“With hot, dry, and gusty westerly winds intensifying, vast areas of Queensland will face an increased fire threat today,” warned the Queensland Fire Department in an advisory to residents.
“Although QFD crews are ready to respond, we urge Queenslanders to remain aware of the significant risks posed by this weather,” the department emphasized.
“Avoid any activities that could create a spark, as any fires that start in these conditions could become dangerous very quickly.”
Severe storms are likely in the south-east from Gympie down to Brisbane today.
A heatwave warning has also been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology for central, north and north-west Queensland.
Maximum temperatures could nudge the mid-40s in some regions, including the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Central West, North West and Gulf Country districts.
The severe heatwave conditions will begin to ease early next week as a cooler burst arrives.
Temperatures are forecast to drop in the south from Monday, and across central Queensland from Tuesday.
Northern parts of the Northern Territory and Western Australia will see little relief from the heat this week, the BoM warned.
Thunderstorms remain a possibility next week in Queensland as the cooler change arrives.
Storms are forecast across much of the state tomorrow, with severe storms are possible across parts of the central and south-east coast.
Residents in Brisbane and the Gold Coast may avoid the worst of these storms.