Southeast Queensland swelters in 40C temperatures

Temperatures have again soared across southeast Queensland, with Brisbane hitting 38C before 11am and “very poor” air quality recorded across the city.

Residents have been told to shut their doors and windows as temperatures soar across southeast Queensland and Brisbane is choked by hazardous smoke haze almost twice safe levels.

Smoke from bushfires burning across several parts of the southeast has the potential to cause respiratory problems and have negative health effects.

The State Government’s live air quality data showed “very poor” conditions at several sites across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, with the worst readings recorded at South Brisbane and Woolloongabba.

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A vegetation fire burning at the southern end of Fraser Island will bring smoke to Rainbow Beach, Tin Can Bay and the Sunshine Coast.

Brisbane had a recorded high of 38.1C before 11am today, while Ipswich hit 40.5C and Gatton 41.1C.

Temperatures will drop slightly across southeast Queensland tomorrow as a south-easterly change arrives this evening. Brisbane will hit a predicted top of 32C on Sunday, with a top of 29C for the Gold Coast and 31C for the Sunshine Coast.