Heat records could be broken in boiling week

AFTER a boiling hot weekend and a warm start to the week, high temperatures are continuing to make it feel like summer across the region.

Toowoomba faced its hottest September day since 2013 on Sunday with 33.3 degrees before reaching, a slightly warmer, but still more than 10 degrees above average temperature of 32.3 degrees yesterday.

The average temperature for September in Toowoomba is just 22.1 degrees.

After breaking its September temperature record with 38.7 degrees on Sunday, Gatton reached another scorching day of 37.4 degrees yesterday.

However the worst is yet to come, with both Toowoomba, Gatton and surrounding towns expected to reach even higher temperatures on Thursday, according to a Bureau of Meteorology forecast.

The high temperatures will also bring a severe fire danger, up to 40kmh winds

on Thursday and little to no chance of rain.

Higgins Storm Chasing is reporting a surface trough is expected to be situated over south-east Queensland and parts of the Wide Bay region until Friday.

“This surface trough is going to combine with another surface trough near the Queensland/New South Wales border which is forecast to draw in hot, dry north-westerly winds which will see the temperature sky-rocket to new levels,” it said.

Higgins said during today and tomorrow the trough would drift back toward the ranges a little, meaning some reprieve from the hot

weather, although temperatures will remain up to seven degrees above average in some parts.

“Thursday will be the kicker. The trough is forecast to be situated right along the coast giving zero sea breeze effect. This, along with an increase in winds, will see temperatures scorch up to 40 degrees,” it reported.

“At this stage every town in south-east Queensland is on track to break their September daily record on Thursday.

“Friday and Saturday will again remain in the mid-30s to round out the month before warm, but cooler temps on Sunday.”