Qld weather: Severe heatwave and thunderstorms predicted for large portion of the state

Queensland is firmly in the grip of a “severe heatwave”, with temperatures soaring well past 40C in places, after peaking at 45C on Wednesday, while widespread areas are on alert for thunderstorms.

Heatwave conditions are expected across much of Queensland today. Picture: Windy.com

Temperatures have once again soared across Queensland as a heatwave tightens its grip on parts of the state, with the mercury going well into the 40s and the threat of thunderstorms on the horizon, too.

Parts of the state are facing “extreme heatwave” conditions, while the majority of Queenslanders are expected to face temperatures well above average.

Hot nights and scorching days are being endured across the state, with the highest temperature of 44.2C recorded at Longreach at 2.22pm followed by 43.8C at Winton at 2.16pm. It was still a stifling 42.4C at Winton at 3.40pm.

While Thursday’s top temperatures were recorded in the central west, much of the state experienced sweltering heat. Julia Creek reached 43.2C, Richmond hit 42.6C and Roma reached 42.1C.

The rural border town of Goondiwindi reached a top of 39.8C while in the Southeast Gatton hit a top of 38.7C and Amberley reached 36.8C. In the Wide Bay/Burnett region Gayndah hit 36.1C.

It comes after a peak of 45C on Wednesday during the day and 30.9C overnight at Boulia and Thargomindah.

Evenings in Brisbane are predicted to stay warm at 23C from Friday to Sunday.

Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Sarah Scully confirmed temperatures had been significantly above average across Queensland for the past three days.

“Friday is expected to the highest temperatures of the week across central, south and southeast Queensland,” Ms Scully said.

“Overall daytime and night-time temperatures are well above average, the mercury has been 27C in the early hours of Thursday morning in southwest Queensland.

“There is a trough forecasted to move through Queensland tomorrow with cooler air arriving by Saturday.”

Queensland is in the deep of a “severe heatwave”, with some temperatures expected to shoot up to the mid-40s. Photo: Bureau of Meteorology.

Ms Scully said Friday was expected to have most severe thunderstorms across the state.

“There is the potential for severe thunderstorms tomorrow with large hail and damaging wind gusts,” Ms Scully said.

“Tomorrow is the biggest area of concern for storms in all of Queensland” she said.

HIGHEST TEMPERATURES FORECAST FOR QLD THIS WEEK

Birdsville: 38C on Thursday and Friday, 39 on Saturday

Thargomindah: 45C on Friday

Longreach: 43C on Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Camooweal: 43C on Saturday

The Gums: 40C on Thursday

Brisbane: 34C on Friday

Ipswich: 38C on Thursday, 37C on Friday

Booie: 37C on Thursday

Gold Coast: 31C on Friday

Noosa Heads: 34C on Friday

Barcaldine: 39.5C on Thursday

Winton: 37 on Thursday

Cunnamulla: 36.2C on Thursday

Boulia: 41.5 on Thursday.