Australia Weather News

A heatwave sweeping across Queensland is expected to peak from Wednesday with temperatures set to exceed the mid-40s.

There is also a threat of more severe storms.

Birdsville in the state's south-west could hit 46 degrees Celsius.

"The previous annual record for Birdsville was actually January 25 last year when it hit 49 degrees," Dylan Bird from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said.

"Brisbane is forecast for 35-36 degrees for most parts and the average temperature for January in Brisbane is 30.4 so that's quite hot."

BOM has issued an extreme heatwave warning from Wednesday to Friday, impacting locations including Brisbane, Clermont, Dalby, Emerald, Gladstone, Goondiwindi, Longreach, Rockhampton, Roma and Stanthorpe.

Queensland Health has issued an emergency alert to the public, warning heat stress can cause health problems including cramps, exhaustion and heat stroke.

It urged people to stay as cool as possible, avoid strenuous activities and drink water regularly, among other measures.

A heatwave is when temperatures are above average during the day and night over a period of three days or more.

Mr Bird said the heatwave conditions were being driven by a long period of west to north-westerly winds.

He said an extreme heatwave was dangerous for everyone.

"Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many people, especially older people, babies, young children with medical conditions," he said.

"But extreme heatwaves generally are more impactful across the entire demographic."

Workers at Carmichael coal mine near Clermont in central Queensland have resorted to ice baths to keep cool.

Bravus Mining and Resources said the health and wellness of crew on site was important.

Storms still brewing

Parts of the Gulf Country, North West, Northern Flinders, and Upper Goldfields remain a watch point for severe storms.

Mr Bird said the storm activity could also lash the state's south-east, Wide Bay and Burnett and southern parts of Capricornia.

"There's a watch point for maybe some localised heavy rainfall in some parts but that's more of a secondary concern with damaging wind gusts and large hail being the primary concern," he said.

"That's for Wednesday and it will be mostly during the afternoon and continuing into the evening and then into Thursday."

Bushfire risk increasing

High fire dangers are also place for Queensland.

A Queensland Fire Department spokesperson said conditions had elevated the bushfire risk with fire danger ratings across most of the state remaining at moderate to high.

High is before the extreme rating which is when total fire bans are issued.

"Be alert for fires in your area and if a fire starts, your life and property may be at risk," the spokesperson said.