More storms looming for SEQ as 'extreme' heatwave hits Gulf country
A gloomy outlook at Cotton Tree on the Sunshine Coast, where the Maroochy River is brown from recent rain. (ABC Sunshine Coast: Josh Dye)
In short:
Thunderstorms are forecast to return to south-east Queensland on Tuesday.
The storms could be severe, with large hail and heavy rain possible.
A severe heatwave is forecast for the Gulf country, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees.
More thunderstorms are looming for south-east Queensland this week, as the state's north sweats through severe heatwave conditions.
After a mostly fine day on Monday, the Bureau of Meteorology warns of possible severe storms for the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the Gold Coast on Tuesday.
Senior meteorologist Steve Hadley said November was "peak storm season".
"Over the next few days, thunderstorm risk continues over many parts of Queensland," he said.
"In fact, it ramps up over south-eastern parts of the state on Tuesday.
"We're looking at more widespread thunderstorms and some more possibly severe storms."
A road closed sign last week at Canungra in the Scenic Rim, inland from the Gold Coast. (ABC Gold Coast: Emily Dobson)
The afternoon storms could bring large hail, damaging winds and heavy rain which may lead to flash flooding, particularly after the deluge some areas received in the past two weeks.
The regions predicted to be hit include the Darling Downs, the Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
The rest of the week will see temperatures increasing in the south-east, with maximums peaking at 35C in Brisbane on Thursday.
Heatwave in the Gulf
Further north, parts of the Peninsula and Gulf country face sweltering conditions.
The weather bureau has issued a severe heatwave warning for locations including Kowanyama and Weipa, with some areas hitting "extreme" heat levels.
Heatwave conditions are forecast for the Gulf this week. (Supplied: BOM)
Maximum temperatures are in the high 30s all week, reaching 40C on Thursday.
Mount Isa's seven-day outlook shows 40C every day this week, as well as overnight minimums reaching 23C.
"It's pretty hot for them at this time of year," Mr Hadley said.
"Up to 8 degrees above average in the far west."
"A bit above average for the time of year in most places, apart from in the south-east where we've got a bit more cloud and a few showers around."
It comes as new modelling predicts Australia's cyclone season could be one of the quietest on record.
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