Severe heatwave conditions forecast for Queensland, Birdsville to get to 47C

Queensland is in for a summer scorcher this week with temperatures to soar to 47C as severe heatwave conditions grip the state.

Queensland is bracing for possible severe heatwave conditions this week. Picture: Weatherzone

Temperatures will soar across Queensland over coming days, with severe heatwave conditions forecast for later in the week, with maximums peaking in the high 40s.

Birdsville is predicted to get to 47C on Thursday, while it could get to as high as 36C in Brisbane and 39C in Ipswich on Saturday.

It comes as a large pool of hot air currently baking Western Australia pushes across Australia from Boxing Day.

The Bureau of Meteorology says the severe heatwave currently affecting much of the Pilbara and Kimberley coast would spread eastwards, creating severe to low intensity heatwave conditions for much of Queensland, including the southeast.

Heatwave conditions forecast from Friday for South East Queensland. Picture: BOM

Senior meteorologist Felim Hanniffy said while conditions would likely be fine, there was still the chance for afternoon showers and thunderstorms in central and northern Queensland on Christmas Day.

“We’re not talking significant showers, generally more (of a) seasonal variety,” Mr Hanniffy said.

“Probably mostly a hit or miss affair with the storm activity,” he said.

A Bureau spokesman said maximum temperatures will range from the high 30s to low 40s in the Gulf Country and North West districts, dropping to the low to mid 30s along the Cairns and Townsville coasts.

“Overnight minimum temperatures will range similarly from the high 20s in the Gulf Country and North West districts to low twenties near the coast.

“Severe heatwave conditions are continuing to over parts of eastern and northwestern Queensland over the coming days with Innisfail likely to be impacted,” he said.

Originally published as Severe heatwave conditions forecast for Queensland, Birdsville to get to 47C