Temperatures to soar as high as 46C as severe heatwave issued for Queensland, NSW

Temperatures are set to soar as high as 46C in some areas as extreme and severe heatwaves sweep Queensland and NSW.

Residents in Birdsville - near the border of Queensland and the Northern Territory - are set to to swelter through temperatures of 46C on Wednesday, while areas including Windorah and Thargomindah are tipped to reach 45C.

A top of 44C is forecast for Quilpie and 43C in other areas of Queensland including Isisford.

Brisbane is likely to see a slightly cooler maximum of 36C with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening.

Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Angus Hines said temperatures would rise to 5-8C warmer than usual across southeastern Queensland.

“Really hot few days ahead … really warm nights as well, mid 20s through the night,” Mr Hines said.

“You’ve got to look after yourself – stay out of the sun, stay hydrated … don’t forget about your animals, your pets, your livestock.”

The soaring temperatures come amid an extreme heatwave warning for the Southeast Coast District, issued on Tuesday to flow right through to Friday.

The Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Central Coast and Whitsundays, Capricornia, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, Maranoa and Warrego, Darling Downs and Granite Belt and Wide Bay and Burnett Districts have also been issued a severe heatwave warning.

“Severe heatwave conditions are building over broad areas of southern and central Queensland this week and are expected to persist over inland parts until at least next week,” the Bureau of Meteorology alert stated.

“Extreme Heatwave conditions are now forecast over the Southeast Coastal District for the Wednesday to Friday period. A milder southerly change will bring some relief to eastern districts over the weekend.

“Locations likely to be impacted include Brisbane Metropolitan Area, Clermont, Dalby, Emerald, Gladstone, Goondiwindi, Longreach, Rockhampton, Roma and Stanthorpe.”

Residents have been urged to seek cool places, which could include a library, community centre, shopping centre or home.

“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,” the alert stated.

“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.”

NSW is also set to be smashed by heat, with Nyngan in central NSW forecast to reach 43C on Wednesday while other areas including Cobar, Narromine and Coonamble are expected to hit 41C.

Dubbo is on track to hit 40C while Penrith is tipped to hit 39C, with Sydney forecast for a high of 35C and the chance of showers and a thunderstorm.

A severe heatwave warning was issued on Tuesday through to Friday for the Northern Rivers, Northern Tablelands and North West Slopes & Plains Districts.

“Overnight minimum temperatures in the low teens to low twenties, increasing to the mid twenties over the Northwest Slopes and Plains,” the Bureau of Meteorology alert stated.

“Severe heatwave conditions building over northeast parts of the state this week are expected to ease later in the week and over the weekend with a milder southerly change.”

High fire danger ratings have been issued for much of the state on Wednesday, including the Greater Hunter, Southern Ranges, Central Ranges, Northern Slopes, North Western, Upper Central West Plains, Lower Central West Plains, Southern Slopes, Eastern Riverina, Southern Riverina, Northern Riverina and South Western.

Temperatures in Melbourne are set to rise from 21C on Wednesday to 29C by Sunday.

Temperatures in Adelaide are tipped to hit a high of 37C on Sunday, while Hobart is set to peak at 24C on Saturday.

Canberra is tipped for a high of 33C on both Wednesday and Sunday, while Darwin is tipped to reach a top of 33C for much of the week despite showers and possible thunderstorms.