Weipa records hottest November day on record at 39.8°C, with extreme heatwave warning for Cape York Peninsula
AI-generated summary
Parts of Far North Queensland are enduring a record-breaking heatwave, while south-east Queensland has experienced repeated thunderstorm activity. The Bureau of Meteorology issued extreme and severe heatwave warnings for the peninsula and several other regions from the Gulf Country to the Whitsundays.
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.
"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.
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.
"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.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Parts of western Cape York Peninsula will experience another week of maximum temperatures in the high 30s to low 40s, with overnight temperatures in the mid to high 20s
Very likely · Within weeks
A trough system will push in across Queensland from Tuesday to Thursday, bringing more unsettled weather and a returning risk of severe storms across south-east Queensland on Wednesday and Thursday
Very likely · Within days
A strong cold front brought snow to parts of New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania just weeks before summer, with Thredbo recording -5.0C and Sydney dropping from 29.7C to 14C in one day.
Queensland's southern regions may experience severe storms through the long weekend while the north sees improved boating conditions as winds ease on the King's Birthday public holiday, according to Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Felim Hanniffy, who noted October marks the start of the higher risk weather season.
A weather system brought significant rainfall to Western Australia after a dry winter, with Goldfields recording four times normal September rainfall. While some crops benefited, others like oats were lodged, and farmers reported damage, and northern farmers received insufficient rain, highlighting uneven distribution.

Australians in the nation's south-east are expected to experience the warmest September day in years, with temperatures rising 6C to 12C above average over the weekend. Coastal areas will reach the high 20s while inland regions extend into the low to mid 30s due to a cold front in Western Australia and a high-pressure system in the Tasman Sea dragging warm, dry, sunny weather. Canberra and Melbourne are forecast to record their highest September temperatures since 2023, with Sydney reaching 28C and Hobart its hottest September day in seven years. Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Dean Narramore warned of further fluctuations, including cooler conditions early next week followed by an even bigger heat burst later in the week. He noted these spring temperature swings are common, citing Hobart's forecast of 27C on Sunday dropping to 14C on Monday as an example of the 'spring rollercoaster'. The upcoming warm weather is expected to be hotter and more prolonged than this weekend, with most of south-eastern Australia running 8C to 15C above September averages from Thursday onward. The BoM's spring outlook is warm and dry, with a strong El Niño developing in the Pacific forecast to peak in late spring or summer and reach levels above the warmest observed since 1950. El Niño increases the chances of warmer, drier weather and fire danger in summer, particularly in Queensland and New South Wales, raising risks of heatwaves, drought and bushfires. Globally, 2027 is expected to be the hottest year ever due to El Niño. Fire danger is currently high in some parts of the country but not extreme.
Following a polar blast that brought freezing temperatures and snow to south-east Australia, a rapid warming surge driven by hot air from Western Australia's 'heat engine' is set to push temperatures up to 12C above average this weekend, with multiple capitals forecast to record their warmest September days in years before another cold front flushes the heat away within 24 hours.
Queensland experienced above-average temperatures and sunny skies over the weekend, but emergency services continue battling fires, including a deliberately lit blaze near Gladstone. Meteorologists warn of possible smoke impacts from high-pressure ridging and heavy morning fog, while the Rural Fire Service cites high-risk conditions due to warm temperatures and strong winds. Showers are expected along the east coast from Tuesday, increasing to up to 20mm on the north Tropical Coast by Thursday to Saturday.