Records have been broken across southern Queensland as a heatwave sweeps through the state.
Brisbane reached a maximum temperature of 37.6C just before noon on Sunday, shy of the sweltering 39C predicted by the Bureau of Meteorology.
But a reprieve from blazing conditions was not found in the remote town of Thargomindah, about 1100km west of the city, which took the crown for hottest February day on record at 47.2C.
All time maximum temperature records were also broken at Applethorpe, Warwick, Oakey, Gatton and Kingaroy.
Toowoomba in the Darling Downs not only had its hottest day but also reached 40C for the first time since records began.
The small town of Birdville on the south-eastern border still holds title for the state's hottest day of 49.5C on December 24, 1972.
More than 35,000 Queenslanders took to the beach to cool off but Surf Life Saving lifeguards had to perform dozens of rescues, mostly swimmers who were outside the red and yellow flags.
Meanwhile, a 49-year-old man was taken to Gympie Hospital in a critical condition after he attempted to rescue two boys whose inflatable toy had blown away at Norman Point beach near Tin Can Bay, south of Fraser Island.
Tragically a nine-year-old died at the scene while an eight-year-old was airlifted to Nambour Hospital in a critical condition.
In Brisbane, a young boy was taken to Lady Cilento Hospital as a precaution after he was left alone in a hot car in a New Farm shopping centre's underground car park.
Police have urged parents not to leave their children unattended in a car, especially during such extreme weather conditions.
Paramedics have suggested swapping caffeinated drinks for water, eating small and regular meals and wearing light-coloured cotton clothing in a bid to keep hydrated.
RSPCA Qld has also urged people to keep their pets cool after a dog died on Saturday morning when it was left tied to a clothes line without water.
Relief from the heat isn't expected until Tuesday following the arrival of a southeasterly change.
Share
