Queensland is set to scorch this week, with hot, dry and windy conditions increasing fire danger, particularly in the southeast.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Kimba Wong says temperatures around the state are set to soar 10 to 12 degrees above the average.
"In Brisbane 36 degrees is the current forecast for Tuesday, and that will be the warmest October day since 2005 if it comes up," she says.
"The maximum temperature record for October in Ipswich is 41.3 degrees, so getting up to 40, 41 degrees in Ipswich on Monday and Tuesday is certainly getting pretty close."
Severe fire weather warnings have been issued for the Darling Downs and Granite Belt, Maranoa and Warrego regions on Monday, stretching to the Southeast, Wide Bay and Burnett on Tuesday.
Fire crews were stretched as blazes took hold across the state last month. Source: ALEKSANDAR ROMANOV
Ms Wong says conditions will be worse than in early September, when places like the Scenic Rim and Sunshine Coast experienced large bushfires, but they won't last as long, with a cool southerly change moving up the coast on Wednesday.
"There is the chance of a couple of thunderstorms through the southeast on Monday and Tuesday," Ms Wong says.
"We aren't expecting very much rainfall, if any, to come out of those storms though, so they actually do just pose the extra challenge of the potential of dry lightning strikes starting new fires."
Fire and Emergency crews from New South Wales joined their Queensland counterparts in bushfire control efforts last month in Southeast Queensland. Source: AAP
Monday is the Queen's Birthday public holiday in Queensland, with public pools, beaches and air-conditioned shopping centres expected to be full of those looking to beat the heat.
For the latest advice on fire alert levels please visit the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services website.
