First heatwave of 2021 will have southeast sweltering
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The mercury is set to spike across western and southeastern Queensland this week as the state swelters through its first heatwave of 2021.
Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist James Thompson said a heatwave has started developing in Western Queensland and will move into the southeast from tomorrow.
"We've had a relatively cool start to 2021, especially for the east coast, but we starting to see the heat build in western Queensland today and then we're expecting it to spread to large parts of western and southern Queensland by the weekend," Mr Thompson said.
"West of The Great Divide, there will be places that get above 40C … to the east it's going to more like the mid 30s," Mr Thompson said.
"Ipswich is set to reach a top of 35C Friday and Saturday … the average for Ipswich for January is 31C.
"So we're looking at about 3-6C above average largely, most likely Friday and Saturday for central parts of eastern and western Queensland."
The southeast coastline is set to be less affected by the heatwave, with temperatures about 2-3C above average.
On Saturday, Maroochydore and Surfers Paradise are forecasting a maximum of 31C, while Brisbane is set to reach 33C.
"It has been relatively cool of late, so it will feel like a change even though the coast won't have as dramatic heat," Mr Thompson said.
Showers are also possible on Saturday, with the potential of a severe storm in parts.
Meanwhile, wet weather will continue to impact northern parts of Queensland.
BOM Meteorologist Jonty Hall said "fairly heavy shower" activity is likely to continue into the weekend between Innisfail and Ingham.
Tully, south of Cairns, received 75mm overnight and 200mm on Tuesday.
"On Thursday it will affect more the Cairns and Daintree area … It will be a bit of relief from heavy falls for Innisfail to Ingham where there's been a lot of recent heavy rainfall," Mr Hall said.
Flood warnings remain active for parts of the state, however, Mr Hall said the biggest concerns were two major alerts.
"The main one is for the Herbert River which flows through Ingham, and there's a major flood warning for the Murray River as well," Mr Hall said.
"Everything else is minor at the moment, but there are a number through inland Queensland."
TOP TEMPERATURES FORCAST
Brisbane
Today 29C
Thursday 31C
Friday 32C
Saturday 33C
January average max 29C
Maroochydore
Today 28C
Thursday 29C
Friday 29C
Saturday 30C
January average max 29C
Surfers Paradise
Today 28C
Thursday 29C
Friday 31C
Saturday 33C
January average max 29C
Ipswich
Today 31C
Thursday 33C
Friday 35C
Saturday 35C
January average max 31C
Mt Isa
Today 37C
Thursday 40C
Friday 41C
Saturday 42C
January average max 37C
Charleville
Today 38C
Thursday 40C
Friday 41C
Saturday 40C
January average max 35C
Originally published as First heatwave of 2021 will have southeast sweltering
