City bakes on winter's day

Jonty (left) and Poppy Newman cool down at the Leichhardt Pool. Photo: Damian Dunlop.

THE temperature in Ipswich soared to 36 degrees yesterday - the hottest August day on record and 14 degrees above average.

The previous hottest August day was 33.3 degrees, recorded all the way back in 1946.

Exceptionally hot north-westerly winds are the cause of the sweltering, dry heat, which is expected to ease slightly today.

However a Bureau of Meteorology forecaster said temperatures would remain near the 30 degree mark for the rest of the week.

The forecast for today is for another hot dry day with a maximum of 32.

The dry heat will keep firefighters on edge, with a total fire ban in place for South Eastern Region at least until midnight tonight.

The QFRS advised residents to listen to their local radio station for bushfire information and check that their home was properly prepared with protective clothing.

Firefighters from Bundamba and Camira were called to a small grassfire on private property at Redbank Plains about 2.30pm yesterday.

A spokesman from Bundamba station said the fire was under control within about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile those who weren't tied up in the office or at the job site yesterday may have sought refuge at the local pool.

Leichhardt Community Swim Centre turned its heaters off a little earlier than usual this year after visitors complained the water was too hot.

A spokeswoman said the pool was busy yesterday, with a few dozen swimmers cooling off mid-afternoon.