Monday could be the hottest March day on record for parts of south-east Queensland as the weather bureau warns temperatures could soar above 40 degrees for the first time.
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A three-day heatwave began on Sunday with parts of the Lockyer Valley expected to cop a maximum of 38 degrees.
Monday is expected to be the hottest day, with temperatures spiking in areas including Ipswich with 39 degrees and Brisbane with 36.
The capital was expected to top out at 33 degrees on Sunday, with 37 in Ipswich and 31 on the Sunshine and Gold coasts.
Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist David Crock said temperatures could reach 40 degrees in places such as Ipswich, Gatton and the wider Lockyer Valley before easing on Wednesday.
"Tomorrow is looking like the hottest day for the south-east," he said.
"We've actually never recorded a temperature in the 40s in the south-east coast district in March, which extends to Toowoomba and the Scenic Rim.
"This means if we do see a temperature over 40 tomorrow that'll be a first and we may see a couple of records fall in terms of March maximum temperatures."
Mr Crock said Brisbane was forecast to reach a maximum temperature of 36 degrees on Monday.
"What we often find on days like this is that, depending on the sea breeze, if it's a little bit delayed coming in, we can get up to 37 degrees," he said.
"However, if it comes in earlier than that it takes the edge of the temperature and it might only get to 32 or 33 degrees so it's a tricky one to forecast for Brisbane - but otherwise it will be hot."
Mr Crock said the heatwave was not unusual as summer temperatures could still be experienced for the beginning of autumn.
"Temperatures will get pretty warm overnight so there may not be nice sleeping conditions with the heat and humidity about," he said.
