Southwest Queensland braces for severe heatwave with 10-degree spike and storm warning

Queensland's first major heatwave of the season delivers scorching temperatures 10 degrees above normal alongside threats of damaging winds and hail.

Electrician Divide Industries director Lachlan Mason at work on the Uni Plaza sign in the extreme heat, Monday, November 24, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Scorching heat anticipated for the Darling Downs as the Bureau of Meteorology issue a severe heatwave warning.

The mercury is set to rise in Toowoomba and the Southwest regions through to Wednesday, November 26.

Bureau of Meteorology Forecaster Jonathan How said extreme conditions are expected accompanied by further widespread storms with winds, hail and heavy rain.

“We’re looking at generally 10 degrees above average right through the Southern and Southwest parts of the state,” Mr How said.

Storms will persist through to Thursday and ease by Friday in Toowoomba.

The Waters Butchery (formerly Uni Plaza Meats) owner Lochie Waters stays cool in the cold room avoiding the extreme temperature outside. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Mr How said on Monday the temperatures through Toowoomba and the wider Darling Downs reached about 34 degrees, 39 in Dalby, 40 in Miles and Goondiwindi, 41 in Chinchilla, 43 in St George and low 40s in Charleville and Roma.

“We’re pretty much expecting the hot conditions to persist across the Downs tomorrow, gradually starting to cool off in the far west,” he said.

Mr How said a cooling trend would be expected into Wednesday and Thursday but temperatures would still remain up to five degrees above average all the way into the weekend.

He said although it’s the first big heatwave of the warmer months, no widespread records are expected to be broken.