Southeast Qld temperatures to hit scorching 46C as ‘severe heatwave’ builds

Temperatures in some parts of Queensland will soar more than 14C in just five days to 46C as a severe heatwave grips the state. Records could be smashed as the November average is obliterated.

Temperatures will soar by 14C in a matter of days – to as high as a scorching 46C – as a horror heatwave sets in this week.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned Queenslanders of an impending “severe heatwave” expected to catapult temperatures up to 12C above the November average and potentially break records.

Forecast Peter Markworth said temperatures had started rising today and are expected to reach a sweltering highs of up to 46C by early next week.

It follows two days of below average temperatures across the southeast coast – which brought a brief reprieve from recent hot conditions.

A heatwave is approaching southern and eastern Australia, with temperatures is Queensland expected to peak at 46C.

The Bureau is predicting temperatures will increase by up to 14C between today and Monday as a “severe heatwave” builds.

“By Monday we could see temperatures above 10 degrees above average, potentially up to 12 to 13 degrees above average … which puts us in temperature ranges around 45, 46 degrees.”

“These temperatures are well above average, a few records could fall down.”

Already today, Lake Julius had hit 39.1C while Cloncurry, Longreach and Winton had all topped 37C.

Beachgoers go to extreme lengths to avoid the sun in a scorching heatwave on Broadbeach at the Gold Coast. Picture: Tertius Pickard

“As we move forward we are just generally expecting those warmer temperatures particularly down south and through the southwest to gradually increase as we go towards the weekend,” Mr Markworth said.

“Going to Sunday and Monday we see those temperatures push across to the southeast coast.”

The bureau is forecasting a 34C scorcher in Brisbane on Monday – some 6C above its November average.

Swimmers on Broadbeach swelter through a Gold Coast heatwave. Picture: Tertius Pickard

Further inland, Gatton is expected to rise by some 14C by Monday to reach a hellish 42C.

Meanwhile, 46C days are slated for Goondiwindi and Birdsville over the weekend and next week.

Today, the border town of Goondiwindi is expected to reach a high of 35C, but by Monday that will soar to 46C. Meanwhile, Esk should get to 27C today but hit 41C Monday.

The Bureau of Meteorology is expected to hold a national conference about the briefing tomorrow.

“We’re seeing this heatwave right across the country … a lot of that heat is obviously still being retained through southern Queensland,” Mr Markworth said.

The spike in temperatures can increase the already deadly risk of leaving children locked in cars, the RACQ has warned.

Spokeswoman Lucinda Ross said RACQ’s roadside assistance patrols rescue three children from locked cars every day.

“While there is no temperature where it’s safe to leave children in a car, these high temperatures we’ll see over the next few days are a reminder to never treat your keys like a toy and keep a close eye on them at all times,” Spokeswoman Lucinda Ross said.

“It can take just seven minutes for the internal temperature of a car to reach dangerous levels, so please don’t take the risk.”