Brisbane could record its hottest day in three years as a heatwave grips Queensland.
Temperatures are set to reach a staggering 46C in some inland parts of the state this week, particularly in outback towns such as Birdsville.
The mercury will peak at 37C in Brisbane by Thursday, when a possible storm will break the hot snap and send temperatures down slightly.
However, the temperature will stay above 26C for the rest of the week.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the sudden hot change is due to a low pressure system moving away from New South Wales.
The westerly winds associated with that low are helping drag heat from Central Australia towards the coast.
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“The more populated regions in the state’s southeast will really be feeling the heat during Wednesday and then again on Thursday,” Sky News Weather meteorologist Alison Osborne said.
“Daily temperatures are likely to exceed 35C.”
The scorching weather is expected to last a few days. Emergency services are warning Queenslanders to drink plenty of water in the extreme heat and keep an eye on vulnerable neighbours.
Queensland Ambulance Service clinical director Tony Harker suggested making a plan to ensure you weren’t in the sun during the hottest part of the day.
“If you’re not so well, or really old or really young, make sure to keep inside in front of the airconditioning or a fan,” he said.
“If you’ve got older neighbours, go check on them and make sure they are OK.”
Across the country, temperatures will hit 28C in Sydney on Wednesday before a cool breeze arrives, forcing temperatures down by early Thursday.
Temperatures in the Northern Territory are forecast top out at 45C this week. Alice Springs is likely to crack 41C on Tuesday, and the temperature will peak on Wednesday at around 42C.
In Western Australia, temperatures in Perth will top 30C on Wednesday. A possible afternoon storm is expected to break the heat, and temperatures will settle in the high 20s for the rest of the week.
Canberra’s weather will reach 26C on Wednesday then plummet closer to 21C on Thursday.
However, warmer days will return by Sunday when the mercury will hit 27C.
South Australia will feel the heat with tempatures expected to reach 34C on Saturday.
Warmer temperatures will be delayed in Victoria where residents can expect them to climb to 26C on Sunday.
Tasmania will likely be the only state spared from the extreme heat this week, as persistent showers keep temperatures cool.
More than 50mm of rain is expected to fall in western Tasmania.
— with NCA NewsWire