Brisbane swelters under hottest September day in years as east coast faces unseasonably warm weather

A record-breaking heatwave has gripped southeastern Queensland, with temperatures soaring to summer-like levels in early September, prompting fire authorities to issue local fire bans for high-risk areas. Fast-moving bushfires in the Lockyer Valley, west of Ipswich, have residents on high alert as unseasonably hot conditions heighten wildfire dangers. Firefighters are actively battling the blaze amid warnings of increased fire risks across the region. The early spring heatwave has raised concerns about escalating fire activity in the nation’s east.

Queensland capital hits 34.4C as firefighters battle fast-moving bushfire in Lockyer Valley west of IpswichGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastResidents have been put on high alert as an unseasonably hot start to spring gives way to blazes and increased fire risks in the nation’s east.Queensland fire authorities issued local fire bans for Ipswich and the Lockyer Valley on Sunday as temperatures typically seen in summer gripped the state’s south-east in early September. Continue reading...