Gold Coast weather: Bureau of Meteorology forecasts storm followed by heatwave

Forecasters have predicted storms followed by a heatwave, which is set to sweep through the state.

THE Gold Coast can expect to see a thunderstorm coming into the weekend followed by a heatwave through to early next week.

The storm is predicted to hit the south coast Friday evening and could potentially lead into Saturday after moving easterly through Western Queensland.

Weatherzone meteorologist Joel Pittard predicts a high chance of damaging winds, but limited rainfall.

Lightning hits the Q1 in Surfers Paradise last year. Picture: Grant Bailey (follow on Instagram: grantbaileyphoto)

“There is a chance of some activity on Friday as the main trough passes over in the evening, but it may not be severe,” Mr Pittard said.

In the days following, experts are expecting a heatwave to sweep through Queensland, with temperatures expected to reach five to 10 degrees above the November average, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

Over the weekend the Gold Coast will reach temperatures in the high twenties, peaking on Monday at a predicted high of 30 degrees.

Loui Shiraseu from Southport surfing at Main Beach as a storm builds overhead. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Despite these high temperatures, inland areas will bear the more extreme heat, while the south coast can expect light winds to moderate the hot weather most days.

With these scorching temperatures comes a rise in fire concerns as the coming weather brings dry conditions.

“As winds pick up and heatwave conditions arrive, the fire risk gets higher,” Joel Pittard said.

Fire Danger Ratings across the southeast coast will be considered ‘high’ at the end of this week before being upgraded to ‘very high’ on Saturday.

This rising heat also calls for concern with regard to sun safety and exposure to UV rays.

An aerial view of the Surfers Paradise skyline on a clear day in Queensland, Australia

A recent study by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency found the Gold Coast’s daily UV levels are 20 per cent higher than this time last year, pushing them from the ‘very high’ category into the ‘extreme’ category.

This causes concern for the health of south coast locals, as UV rays can have serious and harmful effects on the skin, immune system, and eyes.

Ironwoman and ambassador for OPSM Courtney Hancock said she was alarmed by these statistics and believes in the importance of UV protection.

“Now more than ever we need to be aware of the harmful effects that the UV damage can have on our eyes,” Ms Hancock said.

“Making sure that you have the appropriate eye protection is key to a quality lifestyle balance.”