Face of Nation : The north eastern parts of Australia have been hit with an early burst of spring heat, which has elevated fire danger across drought-ravaged Queensland and New South Wales.
Queensland and northern New South Wales are experiencing their warmest start to the season in a decade.Maximums have soared above average – especially in parts of Queensland, where temperatures have hit the mid-30s. Birdsville in the state’s south-east reached 37C.
The high temperatures are due to a series of troughs extending across the country. These have combined with a low-pressure system, which is tracking across the south-east.
Together, these two systems are working to drag down warm air from the north-west of the country. The heat will peak on Friday. Brisbane is expected to reach 34C, the Gold Coast 30C, the Sunshine Coast 31C, and Beaudesert 35C.
Elevated fire danger ratings have been issued across Queensland and for parts of NSW. Today, 15 significant fires are burning across Queensland. The most dangerous weather conditions are expected Friday when winds will be strongest.
A cold change is expected to move through south-east Australia during Friday, along with showers, storms, and potentially damaging winds. This cold change is expected to push into northern NSW and Queensland on Saturday, which will help to reduce the fire danger.
