Southeast Queensland has been added to a severe heatwave warning already affecting northern and interior parts of the state.
The Gold Coast will escape the worst of it, however, the city is still in for some very high temps on Thursday.
Areas such as Nerang and Coomera will reach up to 34 degrees, while western Queensland will swelter through 40 degrees and higher.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued the heatwave warning until Friday, while a warning for a possible severe thunderstorm has been issued for Thursday.
Damaging wind gusts and large hail are likely to hit the Gold Coast, becoming less of a risk in the afternoon.
⛈️Thursday's thunderstorm forecast: #Severe #Thunderstorms are possible over #SEQLD and likely from the #SunshineCoast to #Rockhampton. Damaging wind gusts and large hail are the primary hazards. #Brisbane & #GoldCoast less risk after mid-arvo. If needed: https://t.co/04E9s3vB4p pic.twitter.com/4lPeyF9VQD
— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) December 7, 2022
Temperatures are expected to continue to rise later in the week, with heatwave conditions intensifying and extending.
Safety advice during heatwaves:
- Extreme heatwaves can be dangerous for everyone.
- Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many people, especially older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell.
- Seek a place to keep cool, such as your home, a library, community centre or shopping centre.
- Close your windows and draw blinds, curtains or awnings early in the day to keep the heat out of your home.
- If available, use fans or air-conditioners to keep cool.
