A 24-hour fire ban has been announced, affecting areas from Noosa down to the Gold Coast, including the Scenic Rim and Somerset regions. This preventive measure will be enforced until midnight on Tuesday, as confirmed by the Queensland Fire Department, due to the increased risk of fires.

The region is currently experiencing a spell of unusually hot weather. This situation is exacerbated by potential thunderstorms, which heighten the risk of dangerous fire conditions. The Queensland Fire Department has issued a warning, highlighting the elevated fire danger posed by the hot, dry, and gusty westerly winds sweeping across large parts of the state.

“QFD crews are prepared to respond to any incidents,” noted the department in a message to residents. However, they stressed the importance of public cooperation, urging individuals to be acutely aware of the significant risks posed by the current weather conditions.

The department advises avoiding any activities that could potentially ignite a spark, emphasizing that any fires that do ignite under these conditions could rapidly escalate to dangerous levels. Queenslanders are encouraged to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines to prevent any outbreaks of fire.

“QFD crews are prepared to respond, but we need Queenslanders to be mindful of the very real risk this weather poses.

“Avoid any activities that could create a spark, as any fires that start in these conditions could become dangerous very quickly.”

‘Dangerous’ storms forecast for state’s south-east

The Bureau of Meteorology warned that ”very dangerous” storms are forecast for the region, including Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.

Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said the storms are being driven by a cold front, which has created an “unstable and moist” environment.

Large, possibly giant hail, damaging winds and heavy rainfall are forecast for inland areas extending to Roma.

The thunderstorms and rain are also pushing down into far north-eastern parts of NSW.

Thunderstorms remain a possibility next week in Queensland as the cooler change arrives.

Storm and showers are still forecast across much of the state tomorrow, with severe storms are possible across parts of the central and south-east coast.

Residents in Brisbane and the Gold Coast may avoid the worst of these storms.

Sizzling heat still lingering

A heatwave warning has also been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology for central, north and north-west Queensland.

Maximum temperatures could nudge the mid-40s in some regions, including the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Central West, North West and Gulf Country districts.

The severe heatwave conditions will begin to ease early next week as a cooler burst arrives.

Temperatures are forecast to drop in the south from Monday, and across central Queensland from Tuesday as the cold front moves away from the coast.

Northern parts of the Northern Territory and Western Australia will see little relief from the heat this week, the BoM warned.

Victorians lashed by heavy rain and storms

Similarly stormy conditions are making for a gloomy Sunday in Melbourne.

Severe storms are forecast near and north of the ranges east of Horsham.

Damaging winds, large hail, heavy rainfall is expected in northern Victoria.

The high risk of thunderstorms has prompted the state’s Chief Health Officer to issue an epidemic thunderstorm asthma forecast warning of “high” for the northern country district.

“Epidemic thunderstorm asthma is where a large number of people suddenly develop asthma symptoms over a short period of time and is thought to be triggered by a unique combination of high pollen levels and a certain type of thunderstorm,” the Chief Health Officer’s office said in a statement.

“The Bureau of Meteorology works closely with the department to forecast the risk of an epidemic thunderstorm asthma event.”