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Several parts of outback Queensland have topped 40 degrees Celsius as an unseasonal heatwave hit the state.
Birdsville led the way with a maximum of 44.4 degrees recorded just before 3pm today.
The outback town was one of almost 20 locations throughout the state’s interior and northwest to surpbad 40 degrees.
Most of those regions had topped 30 degrees by 9am.
The temperatures are approximately 10 degrees above average for this time of year but the extreme heat didn’t beat yesterday’s 44.7 in Birdsville – the town’s hottest October day on record.
The Bureau of Meteorology is saying higher-than-average temperatures are likely to remain in place across the state throughout the weekend.
The heat has fire authorities on alert, with residents warned that any fires that do flare will be difficult to control.
Brisbane reached a temperature of 32.1 degrees just before 3pm while the Gold Coast was just under 32 degrees and the Sunshine Coast topped out at 34.5 degrees.
“Remain hydrated, drink plenty of water, avoid coffee, alcohol and tea – you really need water,” Queensland Ambulance Service’s Mark Fisher warned.
“Keep an eye on your family, your neighbours, particularly if they’re elderly, frail or sick.
“Just monitor yourself as well, keep yourself in the shade.”
Mr Fisher said symptoms such as dizziness and unresponsiveness are signs of dehydration and heat stress and people need to be aware of those situations.
Most of the state will remain under a high or very high fire danger throughout the weekend, except for parts of the southeast and the Rural Fire Service is warning people to take extra care.
“If a stray spark starts a fire that claims property or life, the person responsible can be held accountable,” RFS area director Craig Magick warned this afternoon.
Conditions are expected to ease early next week.
With AAP.
© Nine Digital Pty Ltd 2018
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