Cyclone threat eases as heatwave continues in Queensland

It comes as Queensland sweats through a heatwave. The state is starring down the barrel of its hottest day of the year, as temperatures soar 10 degrees above average

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued a heatwave warning for the Central Coast and Whitsundays, Capricornia, Central Highlands and Coalfields and Wide Bay and Burnett Districts.

Western suburbs around Amberley and Ipswich are expected exceed 39C for the first time since December, 2020.

Nearby areas of the Wide Bay and Burnett and Capricornia coast will also reach near 40C.

The BoM has also issued an extreme fire danger warning for those living in the Darling Downs and Granite Belt District.

Hot afternoon temperatures and fresh west to southwesterly winds will increase fire danger in the southeast interior, the BoM has warned.

The extreme heat is expect to ease tomorrow as the tropical cyclone moves away and a cooler onshore wind change arrives, triggering widespread showers and storms on Tuesday.

All severe weather warnings for the island have now been cancelled, however damaging surf is expected to continue. 

Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle has left some destruction on Norfolk Island with residents reporting that trees and power lines down.

Overnight, 105km winds smashed into the island, prompting warnings from the Bureau.

However, the ex-tropical cyclone has transitioned into a vigorous sub-tropical low pressure system as it continues to move further away from Norfolk Island.

Winds have eased and gales with damaging wind gusts are no longer expected, however high waves are likely continuing around parts of the island.