Break in SEQ storm activity as 'insufferable' heatwave lingers in Far North
The BOM is warning residents in Far North Queensland to brace for another week of heatwave conditions. (Supplied: BOM)
In short:
Parts of Queensland's Far North are sweltering through an extreme heatwave.
Weipa on the Cape York Peninsula had its hottest November day on record, during a 33-day streak of temperatures above 36C.
Severe storms have eased in the state's south-east, but are predicted to return from Wednesday.
Parts of Far North Queensland are enduring a record-breaking heatwave, as the south-east gets a short break from repeated thunderstorm activity.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said Weipa, on the Cape York Peninsula, had its hottest November day on record on Saturday, with the mercury tipping 39.8 degrees Celsius.
"Maximum temperatures have been really persisting in quite an exceptional heat around parts of the peninsula," meteorologist Kimba Wong said.
"We've now had 33 days in a row above 36 degrees for Weipa … That is insufferable heat.
Even Weipa's wildlife is struggling to stay cool, as this bird rests beside a garden sprinkler. (Supplied: Matthew Bright)
"Unfortunately, there's no end to the heat inside this week … that warm and unstable air mass isn't shifting anytime soon."
There is an extreme heatwave warning for the peninsula, while a severe heatwave warning is current for several other regions from the Gulf Country to the Whitsundays.
The BOM said parts of western Cape York Peninsula would have another week of maximum temperatures in the high 30s to low 40s, and overnight temperatures in the mid to high 20s.
Ominous skies in Point Vernon in Hervey Bay on Saturday. (ABC Wide Bay: Peta Johansen)
Storm pause for SEQ
Localised heavy rainfall and storms are possible around Mackay and the Eungella ranges on Monday.
Ms Wong said south-east Queensland will see a brief reprieve from the storms peppering the region in the past week.
"Entering mid-November now it's in the midst of our storm season, so it wouldn't go a day without a thunderstorm somewhere in Queensland," she said.
"As we head into Tuesday, Wednesday [and] Thursday, the next trough system starts to push in across the state, so generally a little bit more unsettled weather returning to much of Queensland.
Beachgoers enjoy a Sunday morning swim at Miami on the Gold Coast. (ABC Gold Coast: Dominic Cansdale)
"Perhaps a returning risk of some severe storms across south-east Queensland on Wednesday and Thursday."
Maximum temperatures are forecast to be milder in the south-east on Monday before ramping back up as the week progresses.
"The next slightly cooler change comes through later in the week," Ms Wong said.
Meanwhile, several flood warnings remain active for the state.
There are moderate warnings for flooding along the Barcoo, Bulloo and Upper Balonne rivers.
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