Grim warning for locals as bushfires rage across country

Looming thunderstorms are hoped to bring relief to bushfire-ravaged regions, though locals now face another risk.

Families in Queensland’s southeast have been forced to flee as out-of-control bushfires threaten homes.

Locals in the Darling Downs area, located near the NSW border, were evacuated on Sunday as dozens of crews fought to protect more than 10 homes in The Pines.

As of Sunday evening, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said it was still not safe for residents to return home.

Some residents at The Pines were forced to flee their homes on Sunday, as a fire threatened at least 12 properties in the area. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

It’s hoped that incoming thunderstorms could help firefighters tackle the blaze, with Brisbane, Canberra and Sydney all gearing up for a drenching this week.

Southern Queensland and NSW’s Northern Rivers region remain in the firing lane for thunderstorms, which will bring the possibility of flash flooding.

This comes after eastern regions of the NSW and Queensland border were bombarded by golf ball-size hailstones last week.

Parts of NSW and Queensland were battered by severe thunderstorms and massive hailstones last week. Picture: Supplied

Central Australia received more than a month’s worth of rain last week – Alice Springs recorded 36mm of rain in just 24 hours.

Widespread falls of 60 to 100mm are forecast across southern Queensland and the Murray Darling Basin this week, with some areas expected to reach up to 200mm.

A heatwave warning has also been issued for northern areas of Queensland, extending across the Peninsula and Gulf Country districts until Wednesday.

Australia could experience its first severe heatwave of the season this week. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

An ongoing heatwave across Northern Australia is likely to continue, with maximum temperatures surpassing 40C.

Heatwave conditions along Western Australia’s west coast, reaching down to Perth, will continue through to Thursday.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, severe heatwaves are uncommon and are particularly challenging for vulnerable people such as the elderly or those with pre-existing medical conditions.