Arabic version: الطقس الحار والجاف يرفع خطر الحرائق في كوينزلاند

According to ABC News, sunny, dry weather is expected across most of Queensland on Monday, bringing a broadscale fire risk as elevated temperatures and changing winds create conditions that can help grassfires spread.

The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts unusually high temperatures in some areas. Parts of the Darling Downs could record their hottest September day since 2017, while Brisbane is expected to reach 32 to 34 degrees Celsius, about 5 degrees above average. Toowoomba is forecast to reach 31C, and parts of the Lockyer Valley could climb to 36C.

Conditions are expected to be milder on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, where tops of 28C are forecast, while Bundaberg is heading for 29C. BOM senior meteorologist Steve Hadley said Cairns and Townsville were expected to reach 28C, Mackay 26C and Rockhampton 32C. Cloud and showers are possible in the far north, mainly north of Ingham.

South of Longreach, temperatures may be about 5 to 10 degrees above the September average. Longreach is forecast to reach 36C, Mount Isa 34C, and parts of the Channel Country could record 36C or 37C. Mr Hadley said dry conditions and elevated temperatures, particularly in the south, were contributing to the widespread fire risk.

He said changing winds, including afternoon sea breezes along the east coast, could make firefighting more difficult. Fire crews on Saturday worked through what were described as extreme winds to contain a fast-moving grass fire beside Townsville Airport, where volatile conditions fuelled flames and heavy smoke.