Heatwave delivers extreme conditions to Queensland, fears of fire catastrophe

Thirty-three fires are burning across Queensland and authorities fear today’s sweltering heat could spell catastrophe, as temperatures hit 40C in parts of the southeast. THIS IS HOW HOT IT IS AT YOUR PLACE

PARTS of Queensland are already sweltering in 30C-plus temperatures as an extreme heatwave sweeps across the state.

While it is expected to get to 39C in Ipswich and Beaudesert in the state’s southeast, temperatures could surpass 40C further west.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE HOW TEMPERATURES RANGED ACROSS THE REGION

At 2pm, it was 40.1C in Ipswich and 39.6C in Gatton, while Brisbane hit 34.5C and the Gold Coast was even hotter on 35C. Further inland, Gayndah hit 38.1C and Dalby made it to 36.7C.

Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecaster Kimba Wong said extreme fire dangers would be in place all day in the southeast corner as a result of dry winds and very hot temperatures.

Just before 8am Friday, there were 33 active fires in Queensland with the worse at Clumber, south of Boonah, where residents were asked to evacuate last night.

More fires are burning at stay informed levels in Thornton south of Laidley, Teewah, Upper Kandanga, Glenfern and Villeneuve.

A QFES spokeswoman said, “the situation right now is that fire crews have been sent to these fires.

“All our assets (including aerial bombers) are ready to be deployed if severe fires are to ramp up.”

Brisbane city is set to reach a maximum of 37C today.

BOM has issued extreme fire dangers warnings in the Darling Downs, Granite Belt and Southheast Coast District.

Severe warnings have also been issued for the Maranoa, Warrego, the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Wide Bay and Burnett regions.

“We are expecting the worst of those conditions to be felt throughout the southeast interior with temperatures about 10C above average at this time of year,” Ms Wong said.

High temperatures combined with low moisture as well as fresh and gusty winds will lead to extreme fire dangers in some parts of the southeast today, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

A cold front is expected to move through central and southern Queensland, moving off the southern coast on Saturday.

Very high fire dangers will continue in the state’s east during the weekend.

HOW HOT IS IT?

Beaudesert 38.4C

Brisbane 34.5C

Dalby 36.7C

Gatton 39.6C

Gayndah 38.1C

Gold Coast 35C

Ipswich 40.1C

Nambour 36.2C

Roma 36.2C