Australia Weather News

Temperatures will remain above 40 degrees Celsius in parts of central and southern Queensland until at least Wednesday next week, the Bureau of Meterology (BOM) warns.

Today the mercury soared to 42C at Emerald, and 41C at Blackwater and Clermont in central Queensland.

In the central west, Longreach and Winton had a sweltering 43C.

Birdsville in western Queensland was the state's hottest town, hitting 47C, one degree above the forecast high.

Dozens of other towns across the two regions endured temperatures above 40C.

But coastal areas were not as hot as first expected with Brisbane recording a relatively mild maximum of 30C.

Senior BOM forecaster Michelle Berry said a static weather pattern was causing the heatwave that would continue until at least next Wednesday, but could remain until next Friday.

"Hot conditions will drive very high fire dangers for many areas of the state," she said.

"We're urging the public to follow the advice of local emergency services.

"Closer to the coast, sea breezes are moderating temperatures, with Brisbane likely to remain in the low 30s."

Possible severe thunderstorms are expected over the weekend from the northwest through central and southern parts of the state, particularly inland areas.

On Thursday, seven people were treated for heat-related illness, as health authorities warn people, especially the elderly and outdoor workers, to keep cool.

The weather bureau said severe and extreme heatwaves had taken more lives than any other natural hazard in Australia in the past 200 years.

Queensland University of Technology health expert Associate Professor Ian Stewart said workers in hot, physically demanding jobs should try and prevent heat strain.

"People who work in foundries, even restaurant kitchens, people underground in mining situations, bakeries, glass factories anywhere where there is a big furnace or a smelter," he said.

"The heat from these occupational situations can also be really dangerous."