Queensland is facing a sharp weather contrast this week, with severe thunderstorms heading toward the state's south-east while an extreme heatwave bakes the far north and Gulf country.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, following a mostly fine Monday, storm risks will ramp up significantly on Tuesday across south-east Queensland. Regions including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, and the Darling Downs are at risk of widespread afternoon storms. Forecasters warn these systems could turn severe, bringing damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall capable of causing flash flooding, particularly following recent deluges.
Senior meteorologist Steve Hadley noted that November marks the peak of the storm season. As the week progresses, temperatures in the south-east are expected to climb, with Brisbane's maximum temperature projected to reach 35C by Thursday.
Meanwhile, extreme conditions are gripping northern and western parts of the state. A severe heatwave warning covers areas such as Weipa and Kowanyama, where temperatures are tracking well above average. In Mount Isa, maximum temperatures are forecast to hit 40C every day of the week alongside warm overnight minimums of 23C—temperatures sitting up to 8 degrees above average for this time of year.
