By Stephen Clarke, ABC News
Temperatures are predicted to reach the mid-30s on Australia Day along the south-east Queensland coast. Photo: ABC News / Shelley Lloyd
Queenslanders are in for a run of "very hot days and very hot nights" as heatwave conditions build up across the state over the long weekend.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has warned the state's southern regions are expected to see the worst of the heat, with temperatures in Roma, Charleville and Thargomindah all expected to reach the mid-40s throughout the weekend and into next week.
Severe heatwave conditions are predicted for "most of the south", BOM senior forecaster Jonathan How said.
"But through some areas that will reach extremes ... particularly through western parts of the Darling Downs and out towards the Maranoa we'll see those tough, very high temperatures."
A hot and humid week lies ahead for much of south and south-east Queensland. Photo: ABC News / Liz Pickering
How said night-time will bring little relief for the west, with overnight temperatures not expected to drop below 25C, with some places expected to stay above 28C.
Temperatures are expected to climb from Sunday in the south-east, with temperatures hitting 37C in Ipswich and up to 38C in Gatton.
How said Brisbane and the state's south-east will see "a bit of relief" through the second part of next week, but conditions will remain hot and humid.
"The combination of hot days and very hot nights does mean that we are expecting to see quite uncomfortable conditions for many Queenslanders through the long weekend and into much of next week."
How said the heat will be challenging even for healthy people planning to do outdoor activities or work.
"We're reminding Queenslanders to try and drink plenty of water and try to stay cool in the heat of the sun as best you can."
Public holiday heat
Conditions for the Australia Day public holiday on Monday are expected to be hot, with Brisbane expected to reach 37C.
"Out west we are expecting temperatures to hit the high 30s to low 40s and it'll be quite humid as well," How said.
The bureau said outdoor activities will be "challenging" during the heatwave. Photo: ABC News / Abubakr Sajid
Despite the predicted humidity, little relief in the form of rain is expected.
"There is a slight chance of some thunderstorms coming through over the weekend, but not much rainfall is expected. We're keeping an eye on the possibility of any dry lightning at this stage, but not expecting any big thunderstorms coming through."
For those looking to beat the heat at the beach, the good news is that there are no marine wind warnings forecast for the public holiday.
"Brisbane and Gold Coast will be quite breezy, but not expecting any wind warnings at this stage," How said.
The heatwave warning extends across much of eastern and central Australia. Photo: ABC News / BOM
Tropical low building
The bureau is monitoring a tropical low forming off the western coast of the Cape York Peninsula.
The system is expected to move south towards the Gulf of Carpentaria coast, bringing heavy rainfall to catchments already in flood.
How said the system currently has a low chance of forming into a tropical cyclone.
North-west Queensland is still recovering from flooding earlier this month. Photo: Supplied / Justin Smith / ABC News
"It really remains at around that 5 to 15 percent chance of becoming a tropical cyclone over the weekend, but that's not to say that part of the state couldn't see severe weather."
How said there is a possibility of some heavy rain and possible gusty winds about the Gulf country and parts of the Cape and Peninsula.
Following recent flooding in the region, How advised people living in the area and anyone who might be travelling there to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and updates.
- ABC
