Queenslanders warned of looming heatwave as temperatures soar

Summer has well and truly arrived for Queenslanders with the bureau warning parts of the state will be gripped by a “severe” heatwave over the coming days.

A low intensity heatwave is expected across most of southeast Queensland, sending temperatures soaring.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe heatwave warning on Sunday for large parts of the state including the Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Central Coast and Whitsundays, Capricornia, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West and North West Districts regions.

Some parts of the state are expected to face temperatures nearing 40 degrees.

While temperatures are expected to be cooler in Brisbane over the coming days, maximum temperatures are forecast to be in the low 30s for most of the week - with Wednesday (top of 29C) the only exception.

“Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many people, especially older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell,” the bureau said in its heatwave warning issued on Sunday.

“Seek a place to keep cool, such as your home, a library, community centre or shopping centre.

“Close your windows and draw blinds, curtains or awnings early in the day to keep the heat out of your home.”

It also advised people to use air conditioners if available.

Some parts of northern NSW - in the Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands districts - are also expected to experience low-intensity heatwave conditions over the coming days.

Meanwhile, the Bureau says it is also monitoring tropical storm activity in the northern parts of Western Australia.It issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Pilbara, Gascoyne, North Interior, South Interior and Goldfields regions.

It’s warning that the thunderstorms could produce heavy rainfall and flash flooding.

The bureau says that warm waters are fuelling thunderstorms and we could see two tropical lows across WA’s north in the next week, though they are forecast to stay offshore.