A SEVERE heatwave tipped to hit parts of north-west Queensland is set to intensify Mount Isa’s already scorching temperatures.
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Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Adam Woods said a series of troughs had drawn hot air over the state’s northern coast last weekend, with the heatwave expected to expand across most of Queensland by Friday.
Daily highs have hovered between 35 and 40 degrees for the past two months across Mount Isa, with the mercury tipped to hit 45 degrees by Sunday.
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Mr Woods said no cool reprieve was yet in sight, despite forecasts of possible showers and a gusty storm today.
“It is remaining very hot there and we can’t see any relief at this stage,” he said.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said soaring temperatures across Queensland had contributed to unprecedented fire dangers across the state.
Firefighters had battled about 40 wildfires on Monday alone and remained on high alert, with New South Wales firies also helping to supplement ranks.
“We have got soaring temperatures at the moment and it is going to get worse...,” she said.
“All of our efforts are dispersed right across the state. Everyone is doing their best to keep people safe and everyone just needs to listen to authorities.”
Fire dangers were the most intense at Capricornia, followed by south-east and central Queensland areas.
However, all Queenslanders were urged to be vigilant about fire threats in the hot and dry weather, with high fire dangers also threatening the north-west.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll urged all people to be alert to fire warnings and to have bushfire survival plans in place.
“Warnings are continually updated with the latest information and we need people to continue to listen out for them and follow the actions outlined within them,” she said.
“I can’t emphasise enough just how important it is for residents in exposed areas to stay informed and follow any instructions issued by emergency services, including to evacuate.”
Always call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.