A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for southeast Queensland as two cells move towards the coast.
Damaging winds and large hailstones are likely in the Ipswich, Somerset, Lockyer Valley, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Moreton Bay council areas on Friday afternoon.
Small hail has already blanketed yards at Crows Nest and Gatton, west of Brisbane.
The storm warning comes ahead of a heatwave that is expected to hit the state's southeast this weekend.
Brisbane is forecast to reach a top of 34 degrees on Sunday and 35 degrees on Monday, more than 8C above average.
A lack of rain over winter has also increased the risk of bushfires.
South West Rural Fire Service regional manager Tony Johnstone said the Friday afternoon storms were not expected to bring much rain but "may produce dry lightning which could spark bushfires".
The Maranoa and Warrego regions will be placed on an extreme fire alert on Saturday, while much of the rest of the state will be on very high and severe.
Mr Johnstone said firefighters would be keeping a "close eye" on areas from Crows Nest down to the NSW border and west to Dalby.
"It's important for residents to remain vigilant with heightened fire conditions predicted in the coming days," he said in a statement on Friday.
"Any fire that starts will travel quickly, will be unpredictable and very difficult to control."
