Hot, dry day ahead for Qld with unusually high temps in some areas

Hot and dry weather is forecast for the start of the week across much of Queensland, with unusually high temperatures predicted in some parts of the state.On Monday, some areas of the Darling Downs could see their hottest September day since 2017, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). Maximum temperatures for Brisbane could reach 32 to 34 degrees Celsius on Monday, about 5 degrees above average.Warm temperatures coupled with school holidays are delivering crowds to beaches across the Gold Coast. (ABC News: Emily Dobson)The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast will be spared that kind of heat, with both regions expecting a top of 28C. Bundaberg is headed for 29C. While Toowoomba's forecast top is 31C, some areas of the Lockyer Valley could be among the hottest parts of the state, with highs of up to 36C forecast."We're expecting around 28 in Cairns, 28 in Townsville, 26 for Mackay [and] 32 for Rockhampton," BOM senior meteorologist Steve Hadley said.Hot and dry weather is set to continue in north Queensland. (ABC News: Isabella Garrido)In the very north, there could be cloud and shower activity, mainly north of Ingham.Early-morning fog patches are forecast for eastern areas south of Cairns, clearing to a fine day.To the north of Townsville, temperatures are expected to be average for this time of year. South of Longreach may see temperatures about 5 to 10 degrees above the September average. "Longreach is expected to be on a high of 36 degrees, Mount Isa on 34, and we could see some areas getting up to around 36 or 37 in the Channel Country," Mr Hadley said. Fire warningsMr Hadley said there was a broadscale fire risk across most of the state, with dry conditions and elevated temperatures, especially in the south. A high fire danger means fires can be difficult to control under some circumstances. (ABC News: Isabella Garrido)"Places like Townsville, where they get regular sea breezes in that part of the world, you can see quite drastic changes through the day as temperatures warm up," he said."The winds then can change, and come in from a different direction in the afternoon as the sea breeze comes in and that presents challenges for people fighting fires." On Saturday, firefighter crews worked through "extreme winds" to contain a grass fire beside Townsville Airport. Windy conditions posed a challenge for firefighters in Townsville. (ABC News: Isabella Garrido)Station Officer Chris Maguire said crews had to work through volatile conditions to contain the flames and heavy plumes of smoke. He said the grass fire was fast-moving, with challenging, windy conditions fuelling the flames. Wind changes across other parts of the state are expected for the next few days, including sea breezes along the east coast.