Ipswich is set for a hot and windy end to the week as northwesterly winds drag warmer air from the state’s interior across the south-east.
Temperatures are expected to start rising on Thursday and will go close to nudging 40 degrees come Friday, according to Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Kimba Wong.
“At the moment the forecast is showing a top of 37 on Thursday and a top of 39 on Friday,” she said.
“The reason for that is north-westerly winds dragging warmer air from the state’s interior to the south-east.
“On Friday, a trough will push across the state and bring a south-westerly change behind it that will bring down maximum temperatures over the weekend.
“Temperatures are likely to drop back to the mid 30s on Saturday and into early next week.
“Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like there will be any rain in the next seven days.”
A severe fire warning is expected to be issued for the south-east as conditions worsen.
A fire ban for the Ipswich local government area came into effect on 5 November and will continue until at least midnight on Saturday, 9 November.
Ms Wong said winds 20 to 30km/h were likely on Friday with the potential for wind gusts even higher to be experienced, particularly in the Lockyer Valley.
“It is definitely going to be challenging conditions for fighting fires,” she said.
“I would encourage people to keep up to date with the latest weather warnings and to keep up to date with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advice for their local area.”
A wind gust of 70km/h was recorded at Amberley on Tuesday amid wind speeds in the high 30s and mid-40s throughout the day.
What you can do to be prepared
Around the home
- Clear leaves, twigs, bark and other debris from the roof and gutters.
- Purchase and test the effectiveness of gutter plugs.
- Enclose open areas under decks and floors.
- Install fine steel wire mesh screens on all windows, doors, vents and weep holes.
- Point LPG cylinder relief valves away from the house.
- Conduct maintenance checks on pumps, generators and water systems.
- Seal all gaps in external roof and wall cladding.
- Relocate flammable items away from your home, including woodpiles, paper, boxes, crates, hanging baskets and garden furniture.
Make it easy for emergency services
- Display a prominent house or lot number, in case it is required in an emergency.
- Ensure there is adequate access to your property for fire trucks – four metres wide by four metres high, with a turn-around area.
In the garden
- Reduce vegetation loads along the access path.
- Mow your grass regularly.
- Remove excess ground fuels and combustible material (long dry grass, dead leaves and branches).
- Trim low-lying branches two metres from the ground surrounding your home.
Take care of yourself
- Check that you have sufficient personal protective clothing and equipment.
- Check the first aid kit is fully stocked.
- Make sure you have appropriate insurance for your home and vehicles.
- Have a bushfire survival plan.
